According to police reports, a 34-year-old woman named Natiela has been taken into custody following the fatal assault of her 8-year-old stepdaughter, where she reportedly used a wooden rolling pin as a weapon. The girl’s 37-year-old father, Cledir, is also facing murder charges as he allegedly failed to prevent the abuse he was aware of.
The incident occurred in the family’s home, prompting a response from the police department after a medical call was received. Upon arrival, officers learned that the stepmother, Natiela, had been alone with the girl when she suddenly became unresponsive. The girl’s father, Cledir, attempted CPR before emergency services were called, but the child was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Suspicion arose regarding the nature of the child’s death, prompting an investigation by homicide detectives, which quickly pointed to foul play. An arrest affidavit revealed a chilling account of the events, stating that Natiela had beaten the girl “with a wooden rolling pin 10 to 20 times,” specifically targeting the neck area among others, and had “refused to get her medical care afterwards.” Police arrested Natiela and charged her with murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and first-degree cruelty to children.
Cledir’s involvement came to light during the investigation, leading to his arrest on charges of second-degree murder and cruelty to children. A warrant for his arrest showed that he was aware of the ongoing abuse against his daughter, but despite that, he allowed his wife to be alone with the 8-year-old unsupervised. In an interview prior to his arrest, Cledir expressed disbelief over the situation, suggesting that something had caused his wife to “lose control” and act in a manner that was “above and beyond.” The couple is currently being held at the Gwinnett County Jail without bond, awaiting further legal proceedings.
