Centerville, Iowa — In a swift decision on Tuesday, a jury found 49-year-old Roger Gillespie guilty of first-degree murder and child endangerment causing death after less than 30 minutes of deliberation. The charges stem from the death of two-year-old Journey Marberry, who Gillespie was babysitting when he reported her unresponsive on January 19, 2024.
The tragic events unfolded over a week, with Journey ultimately passing away at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City. During the trial, the prosecution argued that Gillespie had violently shaken the child and struck her head against an object, which led to her fatal injuries.
Gillespie’s defense portrayed the incident as a heartbreaking accident. Over the course of the trial, Gillespie offered multiple explanations for the child’s injuries. He initially claimed that Journey had fallen in the bathroom while unattended, later changing his story to a fall down the basement stairs.
Most recently, Gillespie testified that he had tripped while carrying Journey wrapped in a blanket, causing both to tumble down the stairs and landing on her. Through tears, he admitted in court, “To be honest, I didn’t want anyone to know that I landed on her.”
Following the fall, Gillespie described his desperate attempts to revive Journey, including placing her in a bathtub and running water to wake her and searching for smelling salts. He also sought advice from his daughter, who had nursing education, but to no avail.
During cross-examination, Assistant Attorney General Monty Platz highlighted inconsistencies in Gillespie’s narratives and brought up inflammatory messages Gillespie had sent to Journey’s mother. The prosecution underscored that the fatal injuries were consistent with violent shaking and blunt force trauma, challenging the credibility of Gillespie’s account.
The defense, led by attorney Kenneth Duker, acknowledged that Gillespie had initially misled investigators but argued that the latest testimony was truthful. Duker suggested that while Gillespie was responsible for the accident, it did not equate to criminal intent. Forensic pathologist Dr. Brad Randall supported the plausibility of Gillespie’s account based on the evidence.
However, state witnesses countered that the injuries were too severe for a simple fall, indicating a more violent encounter. In closing arguments, Platz reiterated that the physical evidence indicated severe abuse.
The verdict brings a conclusion to a deeply emotional case, capturing community and national attention due to the distressing nature of the accusations and the young age of the victim.
The judge announced plans to set a sentencing date soon, with first-degree murder carrying a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole in Iowa.
As the community reflects on this tragic event, questions about child safety and the responsibilities of caregivers remain pressing, highlighting the importance of vigilance and thorough vetting in child care arrangements.
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