VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – A 27-year-old man, La’Shaun Quintae Holloway, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison, with 20 years suspended, after being convicted of second-degree murder and child abuse for beating his 2-month-old daughter to death while she was crying during his Xbox gaming session.
Brutal Incident in December 2019
According to the Virginia Beach Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, the tragic incident occurred on December 20, 2019, when Holloway was alone with his infant daughter at his home in the 1100 block of Woodcock Lane. Family members reported hearing Holloway yelling obscenities at the baby over an Xbox headset shortly before the child became unresponsive.
First responders rushed the infant to the hospital, where she was placed on life support and died days later.
Autopsy Reveals Extensive Abuse
An autopsy revealed severe injuries, including:
- 26 rib fractures in various stages of healing
- Bruising on her chest wall
- Fractured clavicle and skull
- Bruising around her eyes
- Extensive brain bleed
Medical professionals concluded the injuries were the result of abusive head trauma, highlighting the brutality of the crime against a child so young.
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Holloway was convicted by a jury in August following a three-day trial in the 2019 death of his daughter. While sentencing guidelines recommended approximately 23 years, the judge increased the term due to:
- The significant injuries inflicted
- The infant’s age
- The brutality and nature of the murder
Holloway will spend three decades behind bars, with 20 years suspended.
Criminal History
At the time of sentencing, Holloway was already in prison in nearby Chesapeake for an unrelated child abuse and neglect conviction. His criminal history also includes:
- Felony eluding police
- Hit and run
- DUI
- Previous convictions for carrying a concealed weapon (second offense), petit larceny, and failure to appear
The grand jury had indicted Holloway in October 2021 on charges of second-degree murder and child abuse.
Call to Action
This tragic case underscores the importance of child safety and accountability for abusive caregivers. What are your thoughts on the sentencing and the handling of this case? Share your opinions in the comments below to raise awareness about child abuse prevention.
