South Jersey Woman, Boyfriend Charged In 5-Year-Old Child's Death

CAMDEN, NJ — A Camden woman and her boyfriend have been charged with beating the woman’s 5-year-old child to death, authorities announced.

Police responded to a home on the 2500 block of 8th Street in Camden for a report of an unresponsive 5-year-old on May 18, according to Acting Camden County Prosecutor Jill S. Mayer and Camden County Police Chief Gabriel Rodriguez.

The child had multiple, visible injuries, and was taken to an area hospital, authorities said. The child died from those injuries around 11:44 p.m.

The child’s mother, 29-year-old Marlena Cook, and her boyfriend, 27-year-old Saeed Bey of Camden, were arrested after the cause of death was determined to be a homicide by blunt head trauma, authorities said.

“Words seem to fall far short when it comes to commenting on the horrible death of a child,” Mayer said. “No child should ever have to suffer at the hands of a parent — parents are supposed to be the ultimate protectors. My condolences go out to the child’s family and loved ones. We pledge to get justice for this child and for those who are grieving this unimaginable loss.”

Cook has been charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of second-degree aggravated assault, three counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of third-degree hindering apprehension.

Bey has been charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Cook and Bey were both incarcerated in the Camden County Correctional Facility, and are awaiting detention hearings.

See related: Gloucester Township Woman Charged In Alleged Murder-For-Hire Plot