Savannah man convicted of murder after child dies from neglect

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Michael Angelo Mitchell was convicted of second-degree murder and given 30 years behind bars, the maximum penalty, for the April 2020 death of his four-year-old son Micah, Chatham County District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones announced today in a press release.

During the trial, jurors heard from a GBI medical examiner who testified the young child died because of malnutrition and dehydration at the hands of Mitchell.

The release states Mitchell also failed to provide proper care or seek medical help for Micah after a fall left him non-responsive.

Micah died 3 days later.

Second degree murder in Georgia is a unique charge used only when a child dies due to negligence, the DA’s office says.

Assistant District Attorney, Jenny Parker, was the lead prosecutor on the case and said, “Child homicide cases are difficult, emotional cases. I am very grateful for the excellent work the Savannah Police Department did in this case, particularly lead detective Jacob Hilderbrand.”

In the release, District Attorney Jones and the entire DA’s office stated they would like to recognize ADA Parker for her dedication in the fight for justice for the most vulnerable of our community.

“DA Jones also sends condolences to those impacted by Micah’s death as they continue to grieve this profound loss,” the release says.