Who Is Navasia Jones? Bronx Mom Who Killed Daughter Julissia Batties, 7, Refuses to Face Justice
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In a disturbing case that has shocked New York City and sparked national outrage, 37-year-old Bronx mother Navasia Jones continues to dodge justice after brutally beating her 7-year-old daughter, Julissia Batties, to death in August 2021. On May 13, 2025, Jones refused to attend her own sentencing hearing, delaying closure in one of the most harrowing child abuse cases in recent memory.
A Sentencing Delayed — Again
Jones, who pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter, was expected to receive a 15-year prison sentence in Bronx Supreme Court. But instead of facing the family she shattered, she chose to remain in her jail cell, reportedly citing the presence of news cameras in court as the reason for her absence.
Judge Joseph McCormack was forced to postpone the hearing and reschedule it for June 16, issuing an order that mandates Jones appear in person. He reminded the court that no amount of evasion could delay justice forever. “You don’t get to hide from accountability,” said McCormack.
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| NYC mom admits to beating seven-year-old daughter to death, son charged with molesting the young girl |
A Murder That Should Have Never Happened
The tragedy of Julissia Batties began long before her final hours. Born into a turbulent home, Julissia was raised primarily by her grandmother, Yolanda Davis, after Jones lost custody due to a history of domestic violence and abuse allegations. Despite the grandmother's desperate pleas, New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) returned the girl to her mother in early 2021 — a move many now say was a fatal error.
Just months later, on August 10, Julissia was found lifeless in her apartment on Alexander Avenue in the Bronx, covered in bruises and suffering from blunt force trauma to the abdomen and head. According to prosecutors, Jones and her teenage son — Julissia’s half-brother — viciously beat the child for allegedly “stealing snacks.”
Julissia was denied medical care for hours as she vomited and slipped in and out of consciousness. She later died at Lincoln Hospital.
Who Is Navasia Jones?
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| Navisia Jones was charged with murder three years after her 7-year-old daughter, Julissia Batties, was beaten to death |
Jones had a long, documented history of child abuse complaints. Sources revealed she was under ACS surveillance for years. She had previously lost custody of all five of her children due to repeated abuse claims. Yet somehow, she regained custody of Julissia in a controversial ACS decision — a move now under heavy scrutiny.
Family members described Jones as manipulative, violent, and emotionally unstable. In court filings, her own relatives warned that Julissia’s life would be in danger if she were returned to her mother. Tragically, their fears were realized.
The Courtroom That Never Got Closure
During the postponed sentencing hearing, Julissia’s father, Julius Batties, prepared to deliver a victim impact statement but was left furious when Jones refused to appear. "She’s hiding from the truth — from the pain she caused," he said outside the courtroom. "She didn’t just kill my daughter. She destroyed all of us."
Yolanda Davis, the grandmother who raised Julissia from birth until she was forced to give her up, added bitterly, “She showed no remorse. None.”
Court officials say Jones will be compelled to appear next month or face contempt charges and further penalties.
Public Outrage and a Broken System
The case has reignited criticism of ACS, which has faced multiple high-profile failures in recent years. Advocates argue that the system prioritizes reunification with birth parents over children's safety — even in cases with clear evidence of danger.
A 2023 NY1 investigation revealed that Julissia begged not to go back to her mother, in audio recordings shared by her grandmother. "Please let me stay with grandma," the 7-year-old reportedly cried. Her voice has now become a symbol for children failed by bureaucracy.
The story has drawn widespread media coverage and inspired calls for legislative reform. A grassroots movement called “Justice for Julissia” is demanding an independent investigation into ACS practices and new laws to strengthen oversight of child custody cases.
What Happens Next?
With the new sentencing date set for June 16, the court — and the community — hopes to finally bring some closure. But for many, no sentence can undo the trauma. Julissia's death has become a rallying cry for systemic change, and her story will not be forgotten.
Until then, the image of a mother refusing to face the court — even as her child lies buried — remains a bitter reminder of a justice system still catching up to the horrors it failed to prevent.
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