Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — New details have emerged in the tragic case of Key’Monnie Bean, a 2-year-old girl who was allegedly beaten to death by her mother’s boyfriend, Sean Hernandez, 21. Hernandez faces multiple charges, including murder, endangering the welfare of a child, possession of an instrument of crime, and recklessly endangering another person in connection with the child’s death.
The Alleged Abuse and Fatal Beating
During a court hearing on Thursday, prosecutors laid out the disturbing allegations surrounding Key’Monnie’s death. A forensic pathologist testified that the child’s body showed signs of suffocation as well as blunt force trauma to the head and torso.
The child’s mother, Ka’Nijah Bean, also testified, describing a climate of fear and abuse. According to Bean, on December 8, 2025, she, Hernandez, and Key’Monnie arrived at Hernandez’s home on South Beechwood Street in Philadelphia. Hernandez reportedly became angry with the child, allegedly grabbing her by the arm and taking her to a basement bedroom, where he left her in a corner.
Bean said that while the adults fell asleep in their bed, Key’Monnie cried out, but no one intervened.
The Fatal Beating
Later that night, Bean reportedly woke up to find Hernandez hitting the sleeping toddler with a “slide sandal.” He then placed Key’Monnie back in the corner, and allegedly told her to “shut up” every time she cried.
Bean explained that she did not defend her daughter out of fear that Hernandez would harm her as well. She testified that he had once cut her with a machete and another time pulled a gun on her.
Bean described a horrifying scene where she saw Hernandez standing over Key’Monnie with a metal pole, after which he allegedly tied the child’s hands with a charging cord and wrapped her in a blanket.
Discovery of Key’Monnie’s Body
The couple then went to a local ShopRite, and upon returning, they found Key’Monnie “on the floor, facedown” and unresponsive. Bean immediately called 911, and the child was rushed to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where she was later pronounced dead.
Additional Charges and Investigation
Authorities have charged two others — 21-year-old Anthony Lowrie and 20-year-old Alycia McNeill — with obstruction of justice after they were accused of lying to the police during their investigation. Both individuals were reportedly upstairs playing video games when the alleged beating took place.
Prosecutors also revealed that Hernandez sent texts to Bean, asking her to protect him and promising to have another child with her if she did.
Previous Abuse Allegations
Prosecutors have suggested that Key’Monnie may have suffered abuse prior to the day of the attack. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner became visibly emotional while speaking about the case in December, saying:
“You don’t have to be a parent … We should be outraged at what happened to this 2-year-old.”
Legal Proceedings and Upcoming Court Dates
Sean Hernandez is expected to return to court on May 21, where he will face charges in connection with the murder of Key’Monnie Bean.
