Georgia Father Convicted After 4-Year-Old Daughter Was Fatally Starved With Just an Ounce of Water in Her Stomach

A Georgia Fulton County jury on Wednesday convicted Rodney McWeay on all charges, including malice murder, in the 2023 death of his malnourished 4-year-old daughter, Treasure McWeay. McWeay, 34, was found guilty of 14 counts, encompassing malice murder, felony murder, child cruelty, false imprisonment, and kidnapping.

Sentencing is scheduled in 30 days. The trial, which began June 9 at the Fulton County Justice Center, revealed disturbing details about Treasure’s final months. Prosecutors described the McWeay home on Renfrew Court as a “house of horrors,” despite its outwardly normal appearance with Christmas decorations and scattered toys.

“He controlled everything, so no one got in—not even law enforcement,” said Deputy District Attorney Marshal Hodge. “Until Treasure died.” The child weighed just 24 pounds at death far below healthy levels for her age with autopsy results confirming fatal malnourishment and dehydration.

Two siblings were also hospitalized, according to Atlanta NBC affiliate WXIA. McWeay’s defense argued the tragedy stemmed from poor decisions, not intent. “He loved his children and never meant to harm them,” his attorney stated.

Neighbor Quasheea Cokley testified she repeatedly heard screams and crying from the home and alerted authorities. “I observed things that weren’t okay,” she said. “It wasn’t a safe environment for children.” Despite her calls to police and child services, DFCS failed to locate the family before Treasure’s death.

In December 2023, McWeay rushed to Cokley’s door seeking help. “The girl didn’t look alive,” Cokley recalled. “I felt no breathing.”

She called 911 while McWeay, prosecutors noted, never did. The case highlights systemic failures in child welfare intervention. McWeay now awaits sentencing, facing life in prison.

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