Delayed Justice for Slain 7-Year-Old Girl in NYC

The father of Julissia Batties, a 7-year-old girl found murdered in the Bronx, has publicly criticized authorities for the prolonged legal proceedings surrounding his daughter's case. Navasia Jones, the child's mother, failed to appear in court on Monday, further complicating an already drawn-out process that has lasted over three years. Batties expressed his anger and sadness, stating, “It’s like she never murdered my daughter,” highlighting the emotional toll the delays have taken on him and his family. Julissia's body was discovered in her mother’s apartment at the NYCHA’s Mitchell Houses complex on August 10, 2021. It took nearly a year for law enforcement to arrest Jones and her son, Paul Fine Jr., on charges of murder and manslaughter. Fine Jr. is accused of beating Julissia to death and sexually assaulting her, while Jones allegedly misled police about the circumstances of her daughter's death, claiming she had simply fallen. As the case continues to stall, a spokesperson for the Bronx District Attorney's Office indicated that they are prepared to move forward with hearings and trial scheduling. They also assured that support services would be available for Batties’ family throughout the process. Meanwhile, Fine Jr. has recently retained a new attorney, adding another layer of complexity to the case. Batties has voiced his frustration over the ongoing delays, stating that the unresolved nature of the case prevents him from moving forward with his life. He has called on authorities to expedite the legal proceedings to bring closure to his family’s nightmare.