At first glance, Phillissa Diallo may have seemed trustworthy and caring. She appeared capable of loving a child, which is why a mother entrusted her with her toddler for weeks. Tragically, that trust ended in horror. In December 2022, Diallo walked into a Georgia police station to report a deceased child, revealing a shocking crime that led to her lengthy prison sentence.
Georgia Woman Sentenced for Toddler’s Death
Phillissa Diallo, 44, will spend decades in prison for the death of 2-year-old Alyssa Rose Davis. The case unfolded in Cherokee County, Georgia, where Diallo had been caring for Alyssa while her mother was away.
Authorities say that during her time watching the child, Diallo left Alyssa alone for extended periods, as confirmed by Ring camera footage from her apartment. The last evidence of Alyssa being alive was recorded on December 8, but Diallo did not contact authorities until December 14.
Discovery of Alyssa’s Body
Diallo reported a deceased child to Canton police on December 14, 2022. When officers arrived at her apartment, they found Alyssa’s body inside a closet.
The toddler’s remains had been mutilated and placed in a container with a “salt substance” in an apparent attempt to preserve the body. Diallo reportedly tried to conceal the death by piling clothes on top of the container. Alyssa’s mother had no idea her daughter had died until law enforcement informed her.
Cause of Death and Investigation
An autopsy revealed that Alyssa died from lethal levels of acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. Diallo told investigators that she found Alyssa unresponsive but claimed that her anxiety and depression prevented her from seeking medical help.
Deputy Chief ADA Rachel Hines said in a statement:
“Instead of taking steps to preserve the child’s health and well-being, the defendant demonstrated willful neglect. She then took gruesome, unimaginable steps to conceal her death. Alyssa was not treated with the protection and dignity owed to every child, and that reality will haunt everyone involved in this case.”
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Initially, Diallo’s defense attempted to claim delusional thinking, but she ultimately pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and concealing Alyssa’s death. While the state sought the maximum 40-year sentence, the judge sentenced Diallo to 37 years in prison, with the first 21 years to be served behind bars.
This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of neglect and abuse. Alyssa had no second chance, and the sentence reflects the severity of the crime against her.
