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A Bronx mother, referred to as cowardly, confessed to beating her 7-year-old daughter to death but chose not to reveal her face in court on Tuesday. This decision added to the pain of the family, who has been waiting a long time for justice.
Ignoring the calls to confront the victim’s father and grandmother, Navasia Jones, 35, reasoned that the presence of the press in the courtroom made her uncomfortable. This move disappointed Julissia Batties’ relatives, who were prepared to share their emotional victim impact statements before Jones received a 15-year prison term.
Julius Batties expressed his frustration, stating, “She’s avoiding facing the consequences of her actions. She is afraid to confront her daughter’s father over the horrendous crime she committed. It is crucial for her to listen to our words and face the reality of her actions.”
“This is her own little mind game of work in the system,” he added.
Jones pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges for beating Julissia to death in their squalid Bronx apartment — with the little girl’s battered body found on Aug. 10, 2021.
“She’s playing the system,” grieving grandmother Yolanda Davis said Tuesday after the botched proceedings. “She said she’s overwhelmed. What about my granddaughter? She’s overwhelmed. How can you say that when you beat up my granddaughter and killed her?
“I want her to hear what I have to say and the bad impact that this has had on my family, members of the community, neighbors,” Davis continued. “She showed no remorse, none.”
Bronx Judge Joseph McCormack on Tuesday said Jones — who’s previously refused to come to court — would be forced to appear in person for sentencing on June 16.
“I was just informed that your client has refused to come upstairs, that she indicated that she’s aware of press or something of that nature was present,” McCormack told defense lawyer Edward Sapone.
McCormack refused to proceed with the sentencing with Jones absent.
The city’s Administration for Children’s Services had investigated the family and taken Julissia away from Jones at birth — but had later returned the girl to her mom’s custody
In a heartbreaking audio recording obtained by The Post before her death, the youngster is heard hysterically sobbing and begging to remain with her grandmother during a weekend visit.
Julissia’s half-brother, Paul Fine Jr., was also charged in her death, telling cops that he punched his sister eight times in the face.
In March, he was cut loose and allowed to go free, while Jones copped to manslaughter.
Davis and Julius are begging for closure in the disturbing case that’s underscored failure after failure by ACS, the city agency tasked with protecting children like Julissia.
“We need closure so the baby can rest in peace,” Davis said. “We’re not going to forget her. It’s so sad. I’m angry, very angry. I just want her to rest. I can’t do this too much more.”