A 28-year-old man, Ronald Vernon Legette, is currently held in Bell County Jail on charges of Capital Murder.
The incident dates back to April 29, 2023, when officers responded to a call at McLane’s Children’s Hospital in Killeen. They found a 2-year-old child with severe injuries, including a subdural hematoma and multiple rib fractures. Despite medical efforts, the child succumbed to respiratory failure on May 2, 2023. An autopsy revealed the cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries to the brain, including a skull fracture.
Investigations pointed to the child's parents, with reports indicating that both the father and mother had physically abused the child. The father allegedly used a closed fist, a belt, and a stick, while the mother admitted to witnessing the abuse but primarily targeting the victim. Additionally, approximately a week before the child's death, the mother observed her spouse striking the child's head with a stick.
Following a review by the Bell County District Attorney’s Office, on April 15, 2024, Ronald Vernon Legette was charged with Capital Murder, while Portia Marquise Waller, aged 30, faced charges of Injury to a Child with Intentional Injury.
