Death penalty may be sought against parents of Emani Moss

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — The parents accused of starving their 10-year-old daughter to death, then trying to burn her body may face the death penalty.

Danny Porter said in 20 years as the district attorney, he's only asked for the death penalty 10 times, but he said as he looks at the evidence in this case, he may be asking for it twice in a matter of weeks.

"In 30 years of doing this, this is probably the worst case I've seen," Porter said.

As he goes through the mounting evidence, Porter said the cases against Emani Moss' parents appear eligible for the death penalty.

"I think once we learn more about the mechanism of starvation and the suffering that is involved, it may qualify as torture," Porter said.

Investigators said the girl's father Eman, and stepmother Tiffany, starved the 10-year-old. In late October, they allegedly left her in bed for a week, convulsing and otherwise unable to move. Police said her dad confessed to trying to burn her body in a trash can after she died.

"I am committed to ensure that whatever action needs to be taken is taken," said Division of Family and Children Services Director Sharon Hill.

Hill is promising a full look into how Emani slipped through the system. The state has only released a case summary so far. It details at least six complaints of abuse, including a conviction of the stepmother - but Emani was repeatedly returned to the home.

"I see her hurt and what will not go away is the part where they throw her away," said Emani's grandmother, Robin Miss.

Emani's grandmother will bury the child she called "angel face" on Wednesday as the DA gathers evidence and considers his next move.

"I'd say within 30 days I will be making that decision," Porter said.

The state is expected to release the full case file regarding complaints of abuse against Emani Moss this week.

WSBTV