Atlanta, GA, September 30, 2025
News Summary
Kandice Grace has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder and cruelty to children after her 7-year-old son, Mazi Simmons, died. He was found unresponsive with his head trapped in a car window. The incident raises serious concerns regarding parental supervision and substance abuse. Grace was under the influence of opioids and THC at the time of the incident. The case is a stark reminder of the importance of child safety and vigilance.
Milledgeville, Georgia – A 32-year-old woman, Kandice Grace, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to children following the tragic death of her 7-year-old son. The child’s death occurred on April 6, 2023, and stemmed from an incident in which he was found unresponsive in a vehicle with his head trapped in a car window.
Grace was taken into custody on September 29, 2023, and was initially detained in Baldwin County before being booked into Fulton County Jail. Mazi Simmons, her son, was discovered in a vehicle located in the 300 block of Scott Street in southwest Atlanta. Remarkably, his two younger siblings were also in the vehicle at the time but were unharmed.
According to a witness, Grace had left her children inside the vehicle the previous night and went to a nearby home. The following morning, the witness found Grace passed out in the driver’s seat with her son’s head hanging out of the window. Subsequent police interviews revealed that Grace was noted to repeatedly lose consciousness as she attempted to hold her child.
In light of the circumstances surrounding Mazi’s death, the investigation proceeded with a warrant to obtain toxicology tests from Grace. On August 8, 2023, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) reported that Grace’s urine and blood tested positive for opioids and THC. Investigators allege that Grace was under the influence while driving, which contributed to her passing out and leaving her children unsupervised. This lack of supervision allowed Mazi to become trapped in the vehicle’s window, ultimately leading to his accidental death by strangulation, as ruled by the Fulton County Medical Examiner.
The investigation highlights not only the tragic circumstances of Mazi’s death but also raises concerns regarding parental supervision and the dangers associated with substance use when caring for children. Grace’s arrest and the nature of the charges illustrate the serious implications of her alleged actions and the tragic consequences that arose from this case.
The case remains under investigation, and Grace is expected to appear in court to answer the charges against her. As this situation further develops, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to child safety.
FAQ Section
Why was Kandice Grace arrested?
Kandice Grace was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to children following the death of her 7-year-old son, Mazi Simmons, who died on April 6, 2023, from an incident in which he was found unresponsive with his head trapped in a car window.
What were the circumstances of Mazi Simmons’ death?
Mazi Simmons was discovered unresponsive in a vehicle in the 300 block of Scott Street in southwest Atlanta with his head trapped in a car window. His siblings were present in the vehicle but unharmed.
What did the toxicology results show?
Toxicology results for Kandice Grace showed positive for opioids and THC, leading investigators to allege that she was under the influence while caring for her children.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrest Date | September 29, 2023 |
| Charges | Second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to children |
| Victim | Mazi Simmons, 7 years old |
| Date of Incident | April 6, 2023 |
| Discovering Witness | Witness found Grace passed out in the car |
| Toxicology Findings | Positive for opioids and THC |
| Cause of Death | Accidental strangulation |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- 11Alive: Mother Charged with Murder in Son’s Death
- Wikipedia: Child safety
- Atlanta News First: Homicide Investigation
- Google Search: Homicide Investigation
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Mother Accused of Abandoning Child
- Google Scholar: Child Abandonment Laws
- KCTV5: Woman Arrested for Failing to Return Baby
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abandonment
- Patch: Missing Kids Found Safe
- Google News: Missing Children
- AJC: Georgia Mom to Talk about Viral Arrest
- Google Search: Viral Arrest
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA 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.
