Celia Nunn and Emmanuel Dennis are two alleged killers who have been charged in the murder of two year old Margaret Nunn. According to police reports the little girl was being badly abused by Emmanuel Dennis who was engaged to the girls mother Celia Nunn who was aware of the abuse going on but did nothing to stop it. Emmanuel Dennis admitted to police to kicking the two year old girl so violently it sent her flying across the room just days before her death
Celia Nunn and Emmanuel Dennis face an assortment of charges and the district attorney has said he will seek out the death penalty in this tragic case
Celia Nunn And Emmanuel Dennis News
A Menallen Township couple accused of killing a 2-year-old through abuse and neglect could face a death sentence if they are convicted of first-degree murder.
Emmanuel Dennis, 33, is accused of hitting Margaret Nunn until she was unresponsive and kicking her across the floor. Celia Nunn, 30, the girl’s mother, is accused of knowing what was happening to her daughter and failing to protect her
In a notice filed earlier this week, Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele contended two aggravating circumstances enabled him to seek a death sentence: Margaret Nunn’s young age, and allegations that Dennis and Celia Nunn tortured the child.
“As far as the torture goes, the repeated abuse led us to believe that the child suffered for a prolonged period before passing away,” Aubele said Wednesday. “We will do everything in our power to severely punish those who harm our children. This type of conduct will not be tolerated in the county.”
During a preliminary hearing last month, Trooper Daniel Boyd testified Celia Nunn told him Dennis took Margaret into a room and hit her over a period of 5 to 10 minutes.
Boyd also reported that Dennis admitted to hitting the child about six times over the weekend and kicking the 2-year-old.
First responders were called to the home in the Village of Searight Dennis and Celia Nunn shared with Margaret last Oct. 21 after the child stopped breathing. She was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Celia Nunn is represented by the public defender’s office. A representative of the office declined a request for comment. Attorney Brent Peck, who represents Dennis, did not return a call for comment.
Celia Nunn And Emmanuel Dennis More News
A candlelight vigil was held Sunday night for a 2-year-old girl who died last week of alleged child abuse.
Dozens of people gathered at the Village of Searights Playground in Menallen Township to remember the life of 2-year-old Margaret Nunn.
Police say Margaret Nunn was repeatedly abused by Emmanuel Dennis, her mother’s fiancé. He has been arrested and is charged with criminal homicide and aggravated assault.
Nunn’s death was a shock to those in the community, who say that, sadly, this can happen to anyone.
“I think a lot of people don’t realize that this can happen anywhere, just not in this area or where we live,” said Aimee Tolnai. “But a lot of people judge because of the housing. But this happens anywhere.”
Margaret’s mother, Celia Nunn is also facing charges. Police say she admitted to knowing her daughter was being abused, but did nothing to stop it.
The preliminary autopsy of Nunn indicates she suffered tremendous abuse over several days, according to Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele. Investigators say Dennis admitted to kicking the child across the hallway to her bedroom the day before she died.
“The commonwealth does intend to seek the death penalty,” Aubele said. “We will be filing aggravating circumstances on both defendants.”
Both suspects are being held in the Fayette County Prison and preliminary hearings are scheduled to be held in early November.
https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/fayette-county-candlelight-vigil-margaret-nunn-child-abuse