VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – A 27-year-old man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the fatal abuse of his infant daughter, a case that has left the local community grappling with its tragic details.
La’Shaun Quintae Holloway received a 50-year sentence, with 20 years suspended, after being found guilty of second-degree murder and child abuse linked to the death of his 2-month-old daughter in December 2019. The conviction came after a lengthy trial, which concluded last August.
The infant’s death occurred at Holloway’s residence on Woodcock Lane, where he was responsible for her care on December 20, 2019. Eyewitnesses reported hearing Holloway shouting obscenities toward the baby while engaged in a video game. Relatives noted that the infant was crying during this time, and mere moments later, they discovered her unresponsive.
Emergency responders rushed the child to the hospital, where she was placed on life support. Despite efforts by medical personnel, the infant succumbed to her injuries days later. An autopsy revealed a horrifying pattern of physical abuse, including 26 rib fractures in various stages of healing, a fractured collarbone, extensive bruising around her chest and face, and a significant skull fracture. Medical experts labeled her injuries as indicative of repeated abuse, consistent with abusive head trauma.
The judge, taking into account the age of the victim, the severity of the injuries, and the violent nature of the offense, decided on a sentence that exceeded standard state guidelines, which suggested around 23 years in prison for such crimes. Prosecutors emphasized the necessity of a stiffer penalty, arguing that it reflects the gravity of the actions taken against the defenseless infant.
Formal charges against Holloway were filed in October 2021 after a grand jury issued an indictment. At that time, Holloway was already in custody in Chesapeake facing unrelated charges that included child abuse and neglect, along with driving offenses.
Court records reveal Holloway’s history of prior convictions, highlighting issues ranging from weapons offenses to theft. This case has sparked renewed conversations about the need for heightened awareness and proactive reporting of potential child abuse.
In the wake of this tragedy, officials expressed hopes that the sentence offers some semblance of closure to the family and serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children in the community. The name of the infant has been withheld to preserve the family’s privacy.
Holloway will serve his time in a state correctional facility, where he will confront the consequences of his actions against an innocent life.