MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Two babysitters are behind bars accused of beating a 1-year-old Memphis girl to death on Saturday.

Kali Moore’s aunt, Kiya Moore, 21, and her boyfriend, Dejon Smith, 34, are charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse and aggravated child neglect.

Kali’s great-grandparents are overwhelmed with grief over this violent loss, but they are even more stunned by the people Memphis Police have identified as suspects.

“We have never dealt with a situation like this before, so we really don’t know how,” said Margaret Calicott, Kali’s great-grandmother.

Kiya and Smith appeared in Shelby County court on Monday.

According to court documents, the two looked after Kali for two days at a Midtown home on University Street.

Kali, who was unresponsive, suffered multiple injuries and was taken to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital around 3 a.m. on Saturday.

Both Smith and Kiya gave conflicting statements to police about how she was injured.

“(Kali’s) mother was the one who really took it hard. She couldn’t take it, so her mother took her home,” Calicott said.

According to a doctor at Le Bonheur, baby Kali had numerous skull and neck fractures, a kidney contusion suggestive of abdominal trauma, and blood in her lungs.

Police also found that there was no baby food in the home and it is unclear whether the baby had an appropriate or safe place to sleep.

Despite the heartbreaking allegations against Kiya, her family said one thing will not change:

“All I can say is what I’ve said before: We will always love Kali, and we will always love Kiya because we are a loving family,” said Deacon James Calicott, Kali’s great-grandfather.

Action News 5 found that 21-year-old Kiya was released on bail after being charged with other serious child abuse counts in February 2022.

Her court date is set for August 29.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter!

Click here to report a spelling or grammatical error. Please include the heading.

All rights reserved.