February 7, 2025

cjstudents

News for criminal justice students

“Now let justice do its thing” Grandmother speaks after arrest made in grandson’s death

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FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – The grandmother of 9-year-old Elijah Ross who died over the weekend tells us she’s glad an arrest has been made.

According to police, the woman facing charges, 30-year-old Alesha Miller, is Elijah’s stepmother. Miller was arrested Tuesday and is facing preliminary charges of aggravated battery and neglect.

As the news of the arrest was coming out, friends and family gathered for a vigil this evening outside the home on Putnam Street where police were called Saturday Dec. 18, for a “juvenile neglect/abuse investigation”. 9-year-old Elijah Ross was pronounced dead after he was taken from the home to an area hospital.

According to the autopsy, Elijah had severe “blunt force injuries.”

Tuesday night, candles, stuffed animals and signs lined the sidewalk as friends and neighbors shared their grief. Until tonight, no arrests had been made and police wouldn’t say if they thought something criminal had happened.

Tonight, the tone shifted, but it didn’t make the tragedy any easier for friends and family.

Elijah’s grandmother Mindi Hemminger tells us, it’s a start.

“I’m tickled that she’s been arrested, now let justice do its thing,” said Hemminger.

She tells us his two brothers are heartbroken and say it doesn’t feel real.

“Their life has been uprooted now and at the holidays it’s supposed to be a happy time for everyone,” she said.

Hemminger said it feels good to see the support from the community. She tells us, a lot of people loved her grandson and he will be missed by so many.

Elijah always loved coming over to her house and learning to cook with her, she said.

“And that little smile with his eyes,” Hemminger said. “He was just a ray of sunshine, but he could be a little pistol at times too, he had that energy.”

Hemminger has a message for people – to step up and tell your loved ones you love them and give them a big hug, but also keep an eye out for them.

”Be cautious especially if it’s a grandchild, keep your eyes open for signs, if they’re starting to get distant that’s a trigger,” she said. “Just make sure you keep an eye on them babies, check on them, call them, video chat with them, take them to church.”

Copyright 2021 WPTA. All rights reserved.

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