3-year-old girl died after her mother and mother’s girlfriend, who didn’t allow the girl and her siblings to eat often, beat her to death using multiple items as “hitting devices”; couple charged
Hawaii – In a deeply disturbing incident that unfolded in Hawaii, a 25-year-old mother, identified as J. Perez, and her 33-year-old girlfriend, identified as A. Utley, have been charged with the death of a 3-year-old girl, identified as Sarai, due to severe starvation and physical abuse. The case not only involves the tragic death of young Sarai but also highlights the disturbing abuse suffered by her siblings, who ranged in age from 2 to 6 years old.
The police department arrested Perez and Utley, charging both with second-degree murder following the death of Perez’s daughter, Sarai, in June 2024. The charges were compounded by additional accusations related to the abuse and neglect of Sarai’s three siblings, who fortunately survived the ordeal. According to reports, prosecutors filed the charges after a year-long investigation, which began when the biological father reported Sarai’s death.
The investigation revealed a harrowing pattern of abuse. According to Police Lt. D. Thoemmes, “Perez and Utley did not allow them to eat often and only allowed them to drink 8 ounces of water a day.” This restriction was part of a broader pattern of abuse that included not only starvation but also the use of various items such as belts and sticks as hitting devices and using abusive language. When first responders arrived at the scene, they found Sarai in a dire state.
According to reports, first responders found Sarai malnourished and pulseless, with dry skin and marks on her legs, hips, arms, face, back, and head. The immediate cause of death was identified as the combined effects of dehydration and starvation and severe beating. The surviving children were taken into protective custody, removing them from the environment of abuse.
A former resident of the household had come forward to the police, detailing the extent of the cruelty that she witnessed while living with Perez and Utley. This testimony, coupled with evidence from the scene, painted a disturbing picture of the life Sarai and her siblings endured.
Investigators learned that the abuse was frequent and occurred in the presence of the other children, adding psychological trauma to their physical sufferings. The police were told about disturbing instances, including one where “Perez repeatedly yelled and swore” at Sarai while the child cried out in distress, expressing her basic needs like thirst and the urge to use the bathroom.
The community around the family was also aware of the distressing signs. A neighbor recounted hearing the children cry and described the atmosphere as filled with sadness and confusion. This sentiment was echoed during interviews where the surviving children shared their traumatic experiences, with the 6-year-old describing the sounds his sister made as she died and the 5-year-old poignantly asking if Jesus had food in heaven because their sister was hungry.
As the case progresses through the judicial system, the focus has shifted to ensuring justice for Sarai and securing a safe future for her siblings. The initial response from Perez and Utley, which involved attempting to blame one of the children for Sarai’s death, was quickly disproven by the police, further complicating their legal defense.
The charges of second-degree murder and the details of the abuse have ignited a conversation about child protection and the mechanisms of support for at-risk families. This tragic case serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities of children and the devastating impact of abuse. It also highlights the crucial role of vigilant communities and responsive legal systems in protecting children and upholding justice. As the legal process unfolds, there is a strong community call for accountability and a reevaluation of protective services to prevent such tragedies in the future.
