Former Ridgeland Resident Found Guilty of Two Counts of Felony Child Abuse

Madison and Rankin Counties’ District Attorney Bubba Bramlett, announced today that Akilah Watson, 36, was convicted after a two-day jury trial for two counts of felonious abuse of a child. Circuit Judge Steve Ratcliff set sentencing for May 13. She faces a possible sentence of between five years to life for each charge. 

On July 6, 2023, Child Protective Services received an anonymous report of a mother holding her child at gun point. CPS had two previous reports of abuse involving Watson and her children. CPS and the Ridgeland Police Department responded to Watson’s apartment for a welfare check. Upon arrival, they found a sixteen year old girl and fifteen year old boy at the residence with Watson. After speaking with the minors, it was determined they should both be taken into State custody. The two children disclosed to authorities multiple instances of felonious child abuse dating back several years. The children were placed in temporary foster homes and eventually placed with their godmother. 

Both children testified at trial, and each detailed instances when they were beaten with various objects including an extension cord, walking stick, bat, and belt. The children were also able to show the jury multiple injuries they had received as a result of those beatings. Both children also testified of the mother pistol whipping the female child. 

District Attorney Bramlett stated, “The bravery of these children to testify against the mother they love, compounded by the brutality of the abuse suffered at her hands, did not go unnoticed by the jury during this trial. We are grateful to them both and for the teamwork of, and between, Child Protective Services and the Ridgeland Police Department ensure justice.” 

Defendant: 

Name: Akilah Denise Watson 

Date of Birth: 09/28/1987 

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