In Georgia, a tragic incident unfolded as a woman reportedly used a wooden rolling pin to fatally strike her 8-year-old stepdaughter multiple times in the neck. Shockingly, the girl’s father is also implicated for leaving her in the care of the stepmother despite being aware of the abuse. Both now stand accused of murder.
Last Tuesday, the Gwinnett County Police Department responded to a distress call from a home in the 300 block of Vine Springs at around 2:15 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the 8-year-old girl had become unresponsive while in the care of her stepmother, 34-year-old Natiela Barros.
After calling the girl’s father and attempting to administer life-saving measures, Natiela contacted 911. Tragically, the child was pronounced dead at the scene, prompting homicide detectives to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death.
Following interviews with Natiela Barros and the child’s father, 37-year-old Cledir Barros, Natiela was arrested the following day. She faces charges of murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and first-degree cruelty to children, as court records indicate.
Further investigation revealed that Natiela had allegedly beaten the girl with a wooden rolling pin 10-20 times and neglected to seek medical attention for her injuries. According to a probable cause affidavit, Natiela’s anger led to the child being struck in multiple areas, including her neck.
On Thursday, Cledir was also arrested on charges of second-degree murder and cruelty to children, as he is accused of being aware of his wife’s abuse but failing to prevent her from being alone with their daughter.
The victim, identified as Sayra Barros, has left the community in mourning. Both Natiela and Cledir are currently being held in the Gwinnett County Jail without bond.
