Bronx Mother Pleads Guilty to Fatal Beating of 7-Year-Old Daughter Julissia Batties; Son Set to Be Cleared

Navasia Jones pleads guilty in the tragic case involving her daughter, Julissia Batties, while her son, Paul Fine Jr., is on the verge of being cleared of charges.

Bronx, NYA Bronx mother has admitted responsibility for the tragic death of her 7-year-old daughter, Julissia Batties, accepting a plea deal on charges of manslaughter. In contrast, charges against her son, initially accused of abuse, are expected to be dismissed.

Navasia Jones, 35, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to first-degree manslaughter in the brutal 2021 killing of her daughter. Under the terms of the plea agreement with the Bronx District Attorney's Office, Jones accepted full responsibility, ensuring her son, Paul Fine Jr., will soon have charges against him dismissed, including allegations of sexual abuse and involvement in Julissia’s death.

Fine’s attorney, Deveraux Cannick, explained that the official dismissal of charges is expected by Friday. The decision will effectively clear Fine Jr. of all accusations related to this tragic case, allow records to be sealed, and secure his release from custody.

Julissia was found dead in her family’s apartment at Mitchel Houses, a public housing complex in the Bronx, on August 10, 2021. Police initially discovered her severely injured body after Jones reported the child had accidentally hit her head on a desk. However, a medical examination revealed Julissia died from severe abdominal trauma caused by blunt force, officially classifying her death as homicide.

Investigations revealed that Fine allegedly confessed during initial questioning to punching Julissia multiple times on the morning of her death. However, prosecutors have agreed to dismiss the charges against him as part of Jones' plea deal.

Julissia's father, Julius Batties, expressed frustration with the 15-year sentence Jones will receive, believing she deserved life imprisonment. Speaking emotionally after the hearing, he described feeling "destroyed" by the loss of his daughter, highlighting the injustice of Jones eventually being reunited with her son. At the same time, he remains forever separated from his child.

The tragic circumstances surrounding Julissia's death have also raised serious questions about New York City’s Administration for Children's Services (ACS). Despite documented past abuses and pleas from Julissia herself not to be placed back with her mother, ACS had returned her to Jones' care just weeks prior to her death.

Jones’ formal sentencing is scheduled soon, while community outrage continues to focus on ensuring better protections for vulnerable children.