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KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – Malaya Heun was 15 months old when she died January 22. Β Her injuries– previously not disclosed–are now public record. Β Search warrants reveal she had seven broken ribs. Β Bruising on her head and body. Β A broken clavicle. Torn intestines.
The warrant also indicates the toddler had a small amount of alcohol in her system. Β The Kannapolis Police Chief calls it one of the most brutal cases of child abuse he’s ever seen. Β And still, no arrests.Β
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“We just wanna give the District Attorney everything we can to put in his back pocket to make a very good and informed decision,” says Kannapolis Police Leuitenant Terry Spry. Β He says his team works on Malaya’s case every day. Β They’re talking to medical experts, and waiting on autopsy reports and more lab results. Β Spry knows the community wants closure. Β A Facebook page dedicated to Malaya’s memory continues to grow.Β
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Spry says, “We feel confident we’ve done enough to identify individuals who should be held accountable in regards to what happened to this baby.”Β
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WCCB News @ Ten anchor Morgan Fogarty asked Spry about the credibility of Malaya’s mother, Christy Heun. Β He said there’s no indication she’s lied about anything. Β Then Fogarty asked him about the people watching Malaya the day she was severely beaten. Β Fogarty asked, “How credible are Christy’s sister and her fiance?” Β Spry replied, “I’m not gonna go into specifics other than to say there’s some inconsistencies in their stories.”Β
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“If they were there, somehow or another, they’re involved. Β If they were the ones there, then somebody knows something,” says Malaya’s great aunt Lori Hall. Β Hall says prosecutors should seek the death penalty against whoever is charged with the toddler’s murder. Β She says, “Jail time is too good for people like that.”Β
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There have been reports that Malaya was also sexually abused. Β Spry says that has not been confirmed. Β Another note: Spry says autopsy reports take three to six months to come back. Β He is confident an arrest will be made before then.
