News Summary
Rodney McWeay received a life sentence plus 155 years for the starvation death of his 4-year-old daughter, Treasure. The case unfolded after authorities found her severely malnourished and dehydrated in Atlanta. The conviction highlighted serious issues of child neglect and the dangers children face in abusive environments. Two siblings were also discovered in distressing conditions. As the community grapples with the tragedy, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of child welfare and safeguarding vulnerable children.
Atlanta – Rodney McWeay, a 33-year-old man, was sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 155 years after being convicted for the starvation death of his 4-year-old daughter, Treasure McWeay. The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office announced the sentencing, which took place following a December 2023 conviction on multiple charges including felony murder, first-degree child cruelty, kidnapping, and false imprisonment.
Treasure was discovered unresponsive in a home in southwest Atlanta by police on December 11, 2023, and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. An investigation revealed that she had died from severe dehydration and malnourishment, primarily as a result of neglect. Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen confirmed the autopsy findings, emphasizing the tragic circumstances surrounding Treasure’s death.
District Attorney Fani Willis characterized the case as a “heartbreaking reminder” of the dangers children face when deprived of safety and support. This sentiment was echoed by the distressing details of the investigation, which showed that Treasure had been subjected to extreme neglect. Specifically, an autopsy indicated that she weighed just 24 pounds and that at the time of her death, there were only 5 milliliters of liquid in her stomach. Medical professionals determined that Treasure was “extremely malnourished and dehydrated” upon discovery.
Alongside Treasure, two surviving siblings were also found in dire conditions, both hospitalized for extreme malnourishment and severe dehydration. Reports indicated that McWeay had abducted his three children from their mother in Maryland just weeks prior, following an intervention by the Georgia Division of Family & Children Services. The state had removed the children from McWeay’s home due to previous instances of neglect.
Documents revealed that, prior to their discovery by authorities, McWeay had locked the children in separate rooms, without access to food, water, or adequate ventilation. His home was found to be in disarray, with expired food and no clothing for the children present. Additionally, surveillance cameras were observed monitoring the children’s beds, indicating that McWeay exercised strict and abusive control over them.
At the time of his arrest, McWeay did not have custody of the children as their mother was recognized as their sole legal guardian. The District Attorney’s office has expressed gratitude to the investigators and community members whose efforts contributed to achieving justice for Treasure. The tragic case highlights significant concerns regarding child welfare and the consequences of familial neglect and abuse.
In the wake of the sentencing, the community has been shaken by the events surrounding Treasure’s death. The case serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of child safeguarding and the need for vigilance in the face of potential neglect and abuse. As authorities continue to address and investigate these issues, the hope remains that greater awareness and preventive measures can be implemented to protect vulnerable children in similar situations.
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Additional Resources
- AJC: Atlanta Man Guilty of Starving Daughter
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Carroll County Woman Charged
- Google Search: Child Welfare Georgia
- WSBTV: Metro Atlanta Couple Charged with Child Abuse
- Google Scholar: Child Abuse Laws in Georgia
- 11 Alive: Help That Harms
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- Atlanta News First: Calhoun Couple Found Not Guilty
- Google News: Child Abuse Georgia
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
