13 year-old Kills Brother, 8

A 13 year-old Orange County, Florida boy beat his 8 year-old brother to death over a dessert. Demetrius Key beat his brother, Levares, because the younger boy ate a dessert that he wasn't supposed to eat. Demetrius, fearing he would be blamed, beat his brother's head against the floor and hit the boy with the metal broom among other violent attacks.

The boys' mother, Tangela Key, was arrested in the incident. She has seven children and left Demetrius in charge of the children while she visited another apartment. Tangela has a less than stellar history as a parent. She initially lied to police about what happened to Levares.

The deceased boy's body bore signs of repeated physical abuse. The other children are in the care of the State. Demetrius may be charged as an adult.

Missing Black Women Matter Also

Today's Chicago Sun-Times points out the typically disparate media coverage given to missing Black women. The search for missing pharmaceutical sales rep, Nailah Franklin just may be the tipping point for change in media coverage for missing women who are Black.

Before Nailah's case, a blog authored by Deidra over at Black and Missing but not Forgotten, was posting information on many Black women who'd been reported missing. Thanks, Deidra.

Nailah means "one who succeeds." In a very bizarre way, Nailah succeeded in capturing the hearts and minds of many so that missing Black women will matter to the media also.

Nailah Franklin Update

The remains of Nailah Oliani Franklin were identified today. There was obviously trauma in her transition from the physical world. I am so deeply saddened by this loss of life that there are no words to convey the myriad of feelings I am experiencing.

Nailah's death is yet another reminder of how sacred life is and how we must cherish each moment and each other. As her family prepares to celebrate her life, let's keep them in prayer. More information will likely be released as the homicide investigation progresses. I pray that her killer is caught. Ashe'