A Virginia man, La’Shaun Quintae Holloway, 27, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the fatal abuse and second-degree felony murder of his two-month-old daughter. The sentence, handed down on Monday by Circuit Court Judge Afshin Farashahi, exceeded state sentencing guidelines, which had recommended a maximum of 23 years and 8 months.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Colin D. Stolle announced the sentencing, which followed Holloway’s conviction after a three-day jury trial on August 26, 2024. Judge Farashahi sentenced Holloway to fifty (50) years with twenty (20) years suspended, leaving the thirty years to serve.
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‘Significant Injuries’ Warrant Stiffer Sentence
In arguing for a sentence above the high end of the state guidelines, the Commonwealth emphasized the “significant injuries, age of the baby, and the brutality of the murder.” Judge Farashahi agreed that these factors warranted the longer prison term.
The tragic incident occurred on December 20, 2019, when the baby was in Holloway’s sole care. Evidence presented by Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Tabitha B. Anderson and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Megan M. Lang proved that family members heard Holloway yelling obscenities at the infant over an X-box headset. The baby then suddenly stopped crying and was found unresponsive shortly after.
The infant was rushed to the hospital and placed on life support, but died days later.
Baby Sustained 26 Rib Fractures, Skull Damage
Medical evidence presented at trial detailed the horrifying extent of the injuries the two-month-old had sustained, which were determined to be the result of abusive head trauma.
The injuries included:
- 26 rib fractures in various stages of healing.
- A fractured clavicle and bruising to her chest wall.
- A skull fracture and bruising around her eyes.
- An extensive brain bleed.
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Holloway’s criminal history was also a factor in the sentencing. He has a prior conviction for Child Abuse and Neglect in Chesapeake, in addition to convictions for felony Eluding Police, felony Hit and Run, and DUI. He also has convictions for Carrying Concealed Weapon, Petit Larceny, and several other offenses.
Holloway, formerly of the 1100 block of Woodcock Lane, will now begin his thirty-year sentence.
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