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BREAKING: Mother charged with murder in death of 2-year-old
0902CR Oxford Homicide_Page_1.jpg
Jennifer Michelle Bellah
Jackie Gutknecht
Updated: Aug 29, 2018, 2:24 PM
Published: Aug 29, 2018, 2:16 PM

See related:

Child reported dead in Oxford, mother detained

OXFORD, Ga. - An Oxford mother has been charged with murder after calling to report she had shot her 2-year-old daughter, according to a news release from the Newton County Sheriff's Office Wednesday morning. 

NCSO responded to 65 Brown Thrasher Run in Oxford on a call from Jennifer Michelle Bellah, 31, who stated she "had shot her 2-year-old daughter using a firearm," according to the release.  Upon arrival deputies discovered the unresponsive body of Natalya Bellah and she was pronounced dead on the scene by Newton County Coroner Tommy Davis. Jennifer Bellah was detained as a search warrant was executed on the residence. 

"A pistol, spent shell casing and spent bullets were recovered at the scene," according to the report.

Jennifer Bellah, has been charged with murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. 

"It is believed Jennifer Bellah was alone with the child at the residence when the incident occurred and committed the crime without assistance," according to the release. "The family of Jennifer Bellah has full cooperated with law enforcement. There is no present or continuing danger to the community."

The body of Natalya Bellah was transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations Medical Examiner's Office for the autopsy. 
Covington man sentenced to 26 years in prison on child molestation, rape charges
brandon jamal keitt
Brandon Jamal Keitt - photo by Newton County Sheriff's Office
Kate Verity
Updated: Apr 16, 2025, 9:16 PM
Published: Apr 16, 2025, 8:49 PM
NEWTON COUNTY — Brandon Jamal Keitt, a 31-year-old Covington man will spend substantial time in prison after submitting a guilty plea to a slew of charges yesterday in Newton County court.


According to a news release from the Newton County District Attorney’s Office, Keitt pled guilty to rape, aggravated child molestation, child molestation and enticing a child for indecent purposes.

 
Keitt was sentenced to 26 years behind bars with no parole. He will then spend life on probation and on the sex offender registry.


The case originated when the victim and her mother, whose identities and ages were withheld by the DA’s Office, visited the emergency room at Piedmont Newton Hospital. This sparked an investigation by the Covington Police Department, who were assisted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab and DA’s Office.

 
The investigation led to Keitt’s arrest on Feb. 26, 2023, according to The Covington News’ jail log. According to his booking report, Keitt was arrested at his home in Covington.
According to the DA’s Office release, the victim and her family indicated that they preferred for the case to be resolved with a guilty plea and a sentence. However, Keitt’s guilty plea was not submitted until jury selection had been made and the State read its opening statement.


“[The victim and her family] were able to be in court, along with law enforcement and others that were set to testify, when the Defendant admitted under oath that he was guilty and did commit the crimes,” the DA’s release stated.


The DA’s office and District Attorney Randy McGinley extended thanks to police for resolving this case.


“I want to specifically thank lead Detective Kyle Tesky and DA Chief Investigator Whire for their work on this case, including traveling to New Jersey as part of the investigation,” the release stated. “This shows the commitment of the District Attorney's Office and the Covington Police Department to ensure justice for victims, especially child victims. They were assisted by the Woolwich Township Police Department and the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.”