Mom, Boyfriend Fatally Beat Baby: Delco DA

CHESTER, PA — A Delaware County mother and her boyfriend are charged with murder and related crimes in connection with the death of the woman's 18-month-old daughter earlier this year, authorities said Tuesday.

Kandie Meinhart, 31, and Maurice Davis, 29, both of Chester, have been and charged with criminal homicide and murder in connection with the fatal beating of Meinhart’s daughter on Jan. 20, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said.

Meinhart and Davis were arraigned Tuesday and charged with criminal homicide, first- and third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and related crimes in connection with the death of Li'Aziah Thomas.

"The facts of this case are truly horrific: a mother and her boyfriend are literally responsible for beating to death this defenseless baby. Our investigation found that baby Li’Aziah suffered multiple blunt force injuries during her last night of life from the very people who are supposed to protect her." Stollsteimer said. "While we are horrified this crime could happen in our community, I am thankful that because of the dedicated work of detectives and prosecutors, we will be able to bring her killers to justice."

Meinhart and Davis are being held at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility without bail.

Their preliminary hearings are scheduled for July 7.

"I want to personally thank Detective Benjamin Thomas of the City of Chester Police and Sergeant Lawrence Patterson of the DA’s Criminal Investigation Division, Assistant District Attorney Kristen Kemp, and Deputy DA Matthew Krouse for their dogged perseverance during a long investigation," Stollsteimer said.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information comes in.