Keisha C. Holmes
PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Keisha Holmes, 38, pleaded guilty to second degree murder on Tuesday after smothering her son to death.
Holmes was sentenced to 30 years in prison with 10 years suspended if she completes 10 years of supervised probation. If Holmes violates the conditions of her probation, she will face 10 more years in prison.
Back in August 2013, Holmes put her infant son, Jonathan Omovbo, in a stroller and walked to Holy Trinity Baptist Church on Throne Avenue in Portsmouth.
Holmes says she smothered her son with a pillow on the steps of the church. An autopsy confirmed that Jonathan died from smothering.
A search warrant affidavit for her home said Holmes called 911 and told a dispatcher she smothered her son. Police found the baby boy dead in his crib. Records said Holmes "was read her Miranda Rights and gave a full confession."
The medical examiner's report also said that injuries to the infant's abdomen from blunt force trauma suggested prior abuse.
A member of the church said Holmes was not a member of the church, but she did start visiting during the last few weeks.
