A Texas man who used FaceTime to show his girlfriend and her father as he strangled their 2-year-old daughter has been found guilty of capital murder. Deontray Flanagan was convicted for the March 2023 killing of his daughter Zevaya Flanagan. The trial, covered by The Houston Chronicle and local KHOU, revealed chilling details of the crime.
Jurors are set to commence deliberations on Flanagan’s sentencing on Monday, Jan. 13, as reported by KHOU. Prosecutors alleged that Flanagan committed the murder during a 45-minute police pursuit following the pickup of Zevaya from daycare. During the horrifying ordeal, Zevaya’s mother, Kairsten Watson, and her grandfather, Curtis Watson, witnessed the tragic events unfold via FaceTime. The prosecution claimed Flanagan strangled and assaulted his daughter before driving recklessly without securing her in a seatbelt, causing her to be thrown around the vehicle during the extended police chase.
Tragically, the 2-year-old girl was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after the pursuit. Prosecutors argued that the injuries sustained from being tossed around the car during the chase were the primary cause of her death.
In a heartbreaking testimony in a Houston courtroom, Curtis Watson described trying to reason with Flanagan via FaceTime while witnessing the assault on his granddaughter. He recounted the devastating moment when Flanagan showed him the lifeless body of his granddaughter, expressing immense pain and anguish. Watson confronted Flanagan directly in court, asserting that while Flanagan may have taken her last breath, he could never extinguish her spirit, memory, or name.
Zevaya’s mother, Kairsten Watson, had previously alerted authorities about Flanagan’s threats towards herself and their daughter, emphasizing his dangerous nature. Despite her efforts to warn law enforcement and show them the messages where Flanagan had threatened harm, she felt her concerns were dismissed. Watson lamented that despite her repeated warnings, authorities did not take action to locate Flanagan before the tragic events unfolded.
The heart-wrenching case underscores the critical importance of recognizing and reporting instances of child abuse. If you suspect child abuse, you are urged to contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit www.childhelp.org. The hotline provides support 24/7 in over 170 languages, ensuring that help is accessible and confidential.
The harrowing ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the need for swift intervention to protect vulnerable individuals. The community at large is called upon to remain vigilant and responsive to signs of abuse, ensuring the safety and well-being of all members, especially the most vulnerable among us.
