Georgia Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Shaken Baby Syndrome Death of 1-Year-Old Boy

WALESKA, Ga. (TCN) — A Georgia man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 60 years, for the brutal death of a 1-year-old boy caused by injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome.

The Cherokee County District Attorney's Office announced that on June 26, 28-year-old Gregory Davis was sentenced following his conviction in May on multiple charges, including malice murder, felony murder, first-degree cruelty to children, and obstruction of law enforcement.

The incident occurred on April 28, 2021, when deputies responded to a call about an unresponsive infant, James "Jamie" Marco Palacio, at a residence in Cherokee County. Davis had been caring for the child while the boy’s mother, Amber Ellis, was at work. The toddler was taken to a hospital and declared brain dead two days later. Medical reports revealed that Jamie suffered severe brain and neck injuries indicative of abusive head trauma, or shaken baby syndrome.

Further investigation uncovered prior abuse, including a previous skull fracture and healing injuries to the baby’s vertebrae and ribs—evidence of repeated, systematic harm. The medical examiner ruled Jamie's death a homicide, caused by both acute and healing traumatic injuries.

Jamie’s mother, 27-year-old Amber Ellis, was charged with two counts of second-degree cruelty to children for failing to protect her son. She pleaded guilty on May 5 and received a 20-year sentence, with the first 10 years to be served in prison and the remaining 10 on probation.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Katie Gropper stated, “The chronic and unrelenting abuse inflicted on this innocent, defenseless baby shocks the conscience and warrants the harshest penalty Georgia law allows. Jamie was robbed of the chance to live a full, happy life because of the evil actions of Gregory Davis.”

During sentencing, a family member of the victim made a powerful impact statement, saying, “Jamie deserved love and protection. Gregory Davis was trusted to care for him, but instead, he killed him. We have no sympathy for this man, and neither should the court.”

This heartbreaking case highlights the devastating consequences of child abuse and underscores the importance of child protection and accountability.