A 1-month-old girl died and her twin brother was hospitalized with multiple bone fractures, breathing problems and THC in his system after authorities say they were left in the care of their parents in Atlanta, Georgia.
Background
Kaziah Ponder was pronounced dead on May 2, 2026, at Hughes Spaulding Children's Hospital after police responded to a call at 1668 Mary George Ave SW around 7:49 a.m., according to the Atlanta Police Department. Officers found her unresponsive and EMS transported her to the hospital where lifesaving efforts failed.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office responded to the hospital and took possession of the infant's body as part of their investigation into her death, which authorities determined was consistent with probable positional asphyxia after being left unfastened in a car seat.
Kaiden Ponder, Kaziah's twin brother, was taken to the same hospital on May 29 for breathing problems. Medical staff discovered he had multiple bone fractures throughout his body, tested positive for THC in his urine, and showed signs of malnutrition with electrolyte abnormalities, according to arrest warrants obtained by WXIA.
The Investigation
The Atlanta Police Department's Homicide Unit took over the investigation following Kaziah's death. Detectives learned that James Hayes, 32, allegedly left the infant girl in her car seat while he napped on a couch. The prolonged time in the improperly secured seat led to her suffocation.
Fulton County investigators spent months building their case before arresting both parents on Aug. 6. Hayes and Kennedi Ponder, 31, were taken into custody without incident by APD homicide detectives.
Both adults face charges of first-degree child cruelty involving deprivation of necessary sustenance and second-degree child cruelty. Hayes received an additional charge of second-degree murder in connection with Kaziah's death. Police have not disclosed the exact relationship between Hayes and the children, though a relative identified Ponder as their mother on social media.
"There are no words deep enough for this kind of pain," the relative posted on Facebook. "Our hearts are completely shattered. We are grieving a loss so profound that it has shaken our entire family to the core. A piece of us is missing, and the silence left behind is unbearable."
Key Takeaways
- Kaziah Ponder, 1 month old, died May 2 from probable positional asphyxia after being left unfastened in a car seat
- Her twin brother Kaiden was hospitalized with multiple bone fractures, breathing issues and THC in his system
- Parents James Hayes and Kennedi Ponder arrested Aug. 6 on child cruelty charges
- Hayes faces additional second-degree murder charge for allegedly leaving baby while he napped
- Both suspects scheduled for preliminary hearing Aug. 31
What's Next
Hayes and Ponder are due back in court on Aug. 31 for their preliminary hearings. The Fulton County District Attorney's office is expected to present evidence before a judge to establish probable cause for the charges. Investigators may pursue additional testing on Kaiden to determine how he sustained his injuries and ingested THC. Child Protective Services has been involved with the surviving child, though details about his current placement have not been released.