(Woodland, CA) – November 2, 2016 – Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig announced that this morning a Yolo County jury convicted 24 year old Davis man Darnell Deangelo Dorsey of killing his girlfriend’s 19 month old son.
On January 22, 2014, Dorsey was at home caring for his three year old son and 19 month old Cameron. Dorsey’s girlfriend, the mother of both boys, had gone to a local gym. When the mother returned home approximately 40 minutes later, Cameron was unconscious and not breathing. Cameron was taken to Sutter Davis Hospital and later transferred to UC Davis Medical Center, the only pediatric trauma center in the region. Cameron died on January 25, 2014 as a result of severe traumatic brain injury due to blunt force trauma. The doctors who treated Cameron immediately recognized that his injuries, including a subdural hematoma, retinal hemorrhages, a lacerated liver, lung contusions, and 18 rib fractures in varying stages of healing, were likely the result of severe child abuse. The jury heard over six weeks of testimony, including testimony from several doctors, nurses, child abuse experts and pathologists who concluded that Cameron died from blunt force trauma to his head and body that was inflicted while he was in Dorsey’s care.
Deputy District Attorney Michelle Serafin said, “At great sacrifice, the jurors dedicated eight weeks to finding justice for Cameron. Overwhelming evidence was presented to the jury thanks to the thorough investigation of the medical professionals at UC Davis Medical Center and the Davis Police Department. The hard work and dedication of the jurors, the doctors and the police officers is deeply appreciated by Cameron’s family.”
Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig added, “The brutal killing of baby Cameron, by a man who was entrusted as his caretaker, is a crime that has deeply affected the entire community, including the medical and law enforcement professionals who investigated the case. What happened was both shocking and heartbreaking. With the jury’s verdict, we hope for some peace for the victims.”
The jury trial was presided over by the Honorable Paul K. Richardson, Judge of the Yolo County Superior Court.
At a court trial held after the jury was released, Judge Richardson found true the allegation that Dorsey has a prior conviction for robbery, a violent “strike” offense.
Dorsey faces 50 years to life in state prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Richardson on December 2, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in Department 13.
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