What to Know
Syied Malik-Kawon Epps told investigators that his 9-month-old daughter was with a babysitter when she was rushed to the hospital with a severe injury to her heat. He couldn’t provide any details on this man Eric who he said was caring for his daughter, not an address, phone number, or even a description on what he looks like. Then, security cameras and his own kids told a completely different story.
On May 20, 2026, Epps pleaded guilty to domestic violence murder charges in the 2023 death of his daughter, Sy’Kia Epps. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1.
Epps blamed the baby’s injuries on someone else.
Police in Lexington, Kentucky, received a tip about what happened to Sy’Kia’s injuries from an area hospital on July 26, 2023, according to Law & Crime. When officers arrived at the family’s home on Whitney Avenue, Epps allegedly told investigators his daughter had been with a babysitter that day and could only provide a first name — Eric.
According to court documents obtained by WKYT, Epps wasn’t able to provide any other information on the person he said was watching his daughter when she was rushed to receive medical care.
Security camera footage placed Epps at the residence during the time Sy’Kia’s injuries occurred.
Epps’ surviving children spoke up.
Detective Paul Hogan spoke with Epps’ other children at their home to find out more details about what happened that day when Sy’Kia was injured. The children disputed their father’s claims about Eric and said he hurt their sister.
“All three stated that Mr. Epps had dropped their sister on her head. One articulated that quote, ‘Daddy smashed her on her head really hard, and she was upside down,’” Hogan said in court.
Epps apparently started a dispute with the baby’s mother while she was working.
The father allegedly contacted the children’s mother, who uses the name Susan Bell on social media. Hogan explained in court that Epps threatened the children that day and told Bell she need to pick up her “roaches.” Epps apparently warned Bell that if she showed up even a minute late, the kids would be on the porch, according to Hogan.
Epps ultimately pleaded guilty to the baby’s murder, and authorities want him to spend at least 25 years in prison, per WDKY. A judge will sentence him on July 1.
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