Macomb County, Michigan — A Michigan woman has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of murdering a 22-month-old child she was babysitting, authorities announced Tuesday, November 4. The case has shocked the community and brought national attention to issues of child safety and abuse.
Guilty Verdict and Charges
24-year-old Kimora Hodges was found guilty in July 2025 of felony murder and first-degree child abuse following a six-day trial, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.
Hodges was originally charged in June 2022, after the toddler, Kyrie Starks, died from severe injuries. Officials reported that the child suffered multiple injuries, including a subdural hemorrhage and bilateral retinal hemorrhages, indicative of significant physical abuse.
Incident Details
According to authorities and reports from local media, Hodges initially told Kyrie’s mother, 18-year-old Taylor Starks, that the toddler was experiencing an allergic reaction from ingesting soap. However, when Starks arrived home, she discovered Kyrie having seizures and immediately took him to the hospital.
“He had blunt force trauma to the head, and he was bleeding out his ears and had to have immediate brain surgery,” Starks told WJBK.
“All I know is she threw my son into the wall and shook him up pretty bad, and they said that’s just a bit of what she did to him.”
The violent abuse ultimately led to Kyrie’s death, prompting Hodges’ arrest and subsequent prosecution.
Sentencing
On November 4, Hodges was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder conviction, and an additional 15 to 40 years for the child abuse charge.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido stated:
“The sentence handed down today reflects the severity of the crime committed. The defendant’s actions resulted in the tragic death of an innocent child, and the court has imposed a life sentence without the possibility of parole to hold her fully accountable. Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family, whose lives have been forever changed by this senseless act.”
Lucido emphasized the justice system’s role in protecting the most vulnerable members of society and ensuring accountability in cases of extreme child abuse.
Family Tribute
Following Kyrie’s death, his mother Taylor Starks shared an emotional tribute on social media:
“I’m hurting so bad because you know you were my everything!! I had you at 16 by myself and we been doing this together ever since. We were growing up together. No matter how bad we struggled or was going thru, you never judged me.”
Her post highlighted the profound loss and the bond between mother and child, reflecting the heartbreak felt by the family and the broader community.
Protecting Children from Abuse
Cases like Kyrie’s serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in child care and supervision. Families, caregivers, and community members are encouraged to report any suspected abuse immediately.
Share your thoughts, condolences, or advice on keeping children safe in the comments below, and join the conversation on protecting vulnerable members of society.
