Stepmother took a wooden rolling pin after she got angry with the 8-year-old girl and went above and beyond, hitting her up to 20 times in several areas until she became unresponsive and then refused to get her medical care; arrested

Police say a 34-year-old woman, later identified as Natiela, has been arrested after she fatally beat her 8-year-old stepdaughter with a wooden rolling pin and is currently facing murder charges. The 37-year-old father of the girl, later identified as Cledir, is also facing murder charges as he allegedly failed to prevent the abuse despite being aware of it.

The tragic event unfolded in the family’s home, prompting a response from the police department after a medical call was received around 2:15 p.m. on a Tuesday. Upon arrival, officers learned that the stepmother, Natiela, had been alone with the girl when she suddenly became unresponsive. The girl’s father, Cledir, attempted CPR before emergency services were called, but the child was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Given the suspicious circumstances surrounding the girl’s death, homicide detectives initiated a thorough investigation, which quickly pointed to foul play. An arrest affidavit revealed a chilling account of the events, stating that Natiela had beaten the girl “with a wooden rolling pin 10 to 20 times,” specifically targeting the neck area among others, and had “refused to get her medical care afterwards.” Natiela was arrested the following Wednesday, facing charges including murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and first-degree cruelty to children.

The investigation further implicated Cledir, leading to his arrest on charges of second-degree murder and cruelty to children. A warrant for his arrest showed that he was aware of the ongoing abuse against his daughter, but despite that, he allowed his wife to be alone with the 8-year-old unsupervised. In an interview prior to his arrest, Cledir expressed disbelief over the situation, suggesting that something had caused his wife to “lose control” and act in a manner that was “above and beyond.” The couple is currently being held at the Gwinnett County Jail without bond, awaiting further legal proceedings.