4-year-old girl is murdered; mother’s boyfriend is wanted

NEW ORLEANS- Authorities are searching for a man charged with murdering his girlfriends daughter.

Anfernee Devante Steele, 21, is wanted for his connection in the death of 4-year-old Jo’nyri Hawkins, who was beaten to death inside of a Motel room on Oct. 3.

The Times Picayune reports that Jo’nyri’s mother left her in Steele’s care at the hotel for several hours. When the mother returned, she told police that Jo’nyri was unresponsive and limp.

Jo’nyri’s mother called 911, and the little girl was pronounced dead on the scene.

An autopsy revealed that Jo’nyri’s cause of death was blunt force trauma.Her body was filled with bite marks, bruises and lacerations. with her death being ruled a homicide.

Despite Steele being on the run, he’s been charged with second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to juveniles.

Jo’nyri’s funeral was held Friday morning.

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