In a heartbreaking and tragic case, Makallie Elizabeth Durham, a 25-year-old babysitter from Iuka, has been given a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the devastating act of killing two-year-old Kristian Harris.
Details of the Case
Durham, who pleaded guilty to the heinous crime of capital murder along with numerous counts of child abuse, was charged in connection with the death of Kristian, and the severe harm caused to his 11-month-old sister. The siblings were in Durham’s care for several days when the tragic events unfolded.
According to reports from the Alcorn County deputy sheriff’s office, Kristian was found unresponsive on the day that Durham’s boyfriend called for an ambulance. The young boy was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries two days later, around September of 2022. Two years would pass before Durham received her sentence.
The court investigation revealed that Durham repeatedly struck the toddler on the head over the course of several days in early September, specifically on the 9th, 12th, and 13th. Similar abuse was inflicted upon the baby sister, causing further distress to their family and community.
A Dark Day in Corinth
The alarming day in Corinth, when emergency services intervened, revealed the extent of Durham’s cruelty, as it was determined that Kristian suffered severe biting in addition to his other injuries, all at the hands of the babysitter.
In the aftermath of this shocking and heartrending ordeal, Kristian’s mother, Jay Hurd, courageously recounted the insensitivity shown by Durham, who had the audacity to reach out, asking for assistance in evading incarceration. Hurd responded with raw, understandable emotion, expressing disbelief and anger at the betrayal.
“Your a** should go [to jail]! Because why my babies got bruises all over them? You better hope they take you before I get there,” were the poignant words of a grieving mother, reflecting the depth of her pain and sense of justice needing to be served.
A Mother’s Pain
Recollecting the moments when she was informed that her children were hospitalized, Hurd shared her instinctual dread and heartache. Upon reaching the hospital and seeing her son, she instinctively knew the tragic outcome. “I just started praying because I knew my baby was dead,” she said, adding to the weight of her unimaginable loss.
There remains uncertainty about the nature of the relationship that left the family vulnerable to Durham’s care. In the days following Kristian’s untimely passing, his mother’s sorrow and disbelief found a voice on social media. She questioned the sincerity of a friendship she once trusted, lamenting, “How could you be my friend, sis, bff?”
Seeking Closure
As the dust settles in the pursuit of justice, our hearts go out to the grieving family who has faced an ordeal beyond comprehension. With Makallie Durham behind bars for life, a measure of peace may be found knowing that justice has been served and that no other family will endure similar suffering at her hands.
This story serves as a sobering reminder of the precious nature of life and the fragile trust we place in those who care for our beloved children. It is a call to remain vigilant and cherish the moments with those we hold dear.
