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Name:
Layhew, Trisha Lee
Date of Booking:
06/08/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
Cruelty to Child-2nd Degree-Criminal Negligence/Cause Excessive Physical/Mental Pain
Battery- Family Violence (1st offense) MISD
Cruelty to Child-Cause Excessive Physical/Mental Pain-1st Degree
Aggravated Battery
Aggravated Child Molestation
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On May 5, 2026, I was dispatched to Piedmont Cartersville, 960 Joe Frank Harris Parkway, trauma room 4, in reference to a nurse reporting possible sexual abuse to a [REDACTED BY AGENCY]-year-old child.
Upon arriving at the hospital, I contacted the nurse, Ms. [WITNESS #1]. I asked [WITNESS #1] to advise me of the situation. [WITNESS #1] stated that the child and mother arrived at the hospital at 0220, stating that the mother went to check on her son and noticed that he was bleeding from his rectum, and she saw an object protruding from his an*s and went to grab it, but was unable to remove the foreign object.
Ms. Trisha Lee Layhew(mother) stated that [REDACTED BY AGENCY] (son) is autistic, does not speak, and has a history of sticking items into his rectum. [WITNESS #1] stated that this is what Trisha advised the triage nurse. When she saw [REDACTED BY AGENCY], she observed several bruises on his shoulder and back. [WITNESS #1] observed a lot of what Trisha claimed to be bug bites all over [REDACTED BY AGENCY]’s body and scratches in several parts of his body. [WITNESS #1] stated that she did not observe the condition of [REDACTED BY AGENCY]’s an*s, but according to Doctor [REDACTED], there was extensive trauma to [REDACTED BY AGENCY]’s an*s and surrounding area, and [REDACTED BY AGENCY] was bleeding from his p*nis.
[WITNESS #1] stated that while she was speaking to Trisha, Trisha was in contact with her fiance, Mr. Darrien Worthington, who was currently at the residence of [SINGLE DIGIT BLOCK] Catherine Way Apt [REDACTED], looking within the residence to find what [REDACTED BY AGENCY] could have possibly inserted into his rectum. Darrien advises Trisha that her sex drawer was open, and they think what [REDACTED BY AGENCY] has inside of him is a di*do. [WITNESS #1] advised me that the gentlemen that was in the room with Trisha and [REDACTED BY AGENCY] is Mr. [REDACTED], [REDACTED BY AGENCY]’s biological father. [WITNESS #1] stated that she was advised by Trisha that everything happened between the hours of 0000 and 0030. [WITNESS #1] advised me that the hospital had decided, due to [REDACTED BY AGENCY]’s condition, to have him transferred to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta- Scottish Rite Hospital.
[WITNESS #1] continued to advise me on what Trisha had advised her before my arrival. [WITNESS #1] stated that Trisha advised she placed [REDACTED BY AGENCY] on the toilet after she was unable to remove the item in an attempt to get [REDACTED BY AGENCY] to poop the item out himself. Trisha told [WITNESS #1] that [REDACTED BY AGENCY] likes to harm himself and that it is difficult for her to watch him because she is also watching her [REDACTED BY AGENCY]-year-old. [WITNESS #1] stated she was afraid of me having me make contact with Trisha before speaking to her because she did not want Trisha to get spooked and take [REDACTED] home.
I contacted Sgt Pilcher in regard to what I had been informed by [WITNESS #1] and what condition [REDACTED BY AGENCY] was in. I was advised to contact the on-call investigator Kendall Dollar and update her with all the information I was given by [WITNESS #1]. Kendall asked me to get all the information on Trisha, Darrien, [REDACTED], and [REDACTED BY AGENCY].
I stepped into the trauma room and asked Trisha to step out into the hallway to speak with me in private. I asked Trisha to explain to me what happened. First thing Trisha states is that [REDACTED BY AGENCY] has history of sticking thing in his rectum that the past two times it was a toy car and a fork she was able to remove herself. Trisha stated that she had gone to sleep in the living room after putting the [REDACTED BY AGENCY]-year-old and [REDACTED BY AGENCY] to bed. Trisha stated she woke up to [REDACTED BY AGENCY] screaming at the top of his lungs. Trisha stated she saw something poking out of [REDACTED BY AGENCY]’s an*s and when she went to pull it out she saw there was blood everywhere. I asked Trisha what did she specifically see. Trisha showed me with her hands what appeared and described as a cylindrical object approximately 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Trisha advised me first that Darrien texted her that her drawer where she keeps all her sex toys was open. Trisha stated she does not know what do do with [REDACTED BY AGENCY] anymore due to her giving him everything, no matter what she does, or no matter how much time she spends with him [REDACTED BY AGENCY] continues this behavior.
I asked Trisha where the drawer was located and she stated it was in her bedroom. I asked Trisha where Darrien was and she advised Darrien was not home when the incident occurred he was out with his friend. I was advised by Sgt Pilcher that I needed to contact DFACS again and make a referral from our end to make sure someone was en route to make contact with [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. I questioned Trisha on why it took a little over 2 hours to bring [REDACTED BY AGENCY] to the hospital and she stated she contacted Darrien and [REDACTED] that she needed to take [REDACTED BY AGENCY] to the hospital and according to her [REDACTED] was closer. Trisha stated Darrien stayed at the residence with her [REDACTED BY AGENCY]-year-old child while [REDACTED] and herself bring [REDACTED BY AGENCY] to the hospital. I asked Trisha to show me the messages she received from Darrien stating the drawer was open and when she handed me her phone no where in her text messages she showed me showed those messages she claimed Darrien sent her.
I asked Trisha where the messages were and she stated that Darrien did not text her telling her the drawer was open he called her to advise her that information. I asked Trisha what else she did while they were still at home and Trisha advised she cleaned all the blood off of [REDACTED BY AGENCY] to check he did not have any wounds and she stated to dig in his rectum with her finger to get whatever was in [REDACTED BY AGENCY]’s rectum. I advised Trisha that I needed to get pictures of [REDACTED BY AGENCY]’s scratches and bruises to document his visible injuries.
Photos were taken and while I was photographing [REDACTED BY AGENCY]’s injuries I was able to observe severe bruising in the area of his an*s, was still slightly bleeding from his p*nis, and was still having blood or discharge coming from his an*s onto the bed where he was laying. I also observed [REDACTED BY AGENCY] looking lethargic and not as a normal 3 year old would be acting if he were in pain or in any kind of discomfort. [REDACTED BY AGENCY] appeared very dissociated. I updated Kendall and she advised she was going to get in contact with a supervisor to have someone possibly en route. I contacted DFACS and did a DFACS referral and spoke to the on-call agent [REDACTED] and advised her everything I was advised by [WITNESS #1] and Trisha and everything I had observed in regard to his condition while in the room with [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. [REDACTED] was advised that [REDACTED BY AGENCY] was getting prepped to be transported to CHOA at Scottish Rite.
While on the phone with [REDACTED] I had Doctor [REDACTED] explain her observation so she could hear the condition [REDACTED BY AGENCY] was in. As we were on the phone paramedics transported [REDACTED BY AGENCY] with the company of his mother Trisha to a waiting ambulance to be taken to CHOA.
Myself, Sgt Pilcher, and Corporal Hicks went to [SINGLE DIGIT BLOCK] Catherine Way Apt [REDACTED] to make contact with Darrien but were unsuccessful due to no one coming to the door and we were unable to hear a [REDACTED BY AGENCY]-year-old crying or make any noise within the residence. Shortly after I was advised by dispatch that Trisha wanted to speak to me again. I spoke to Trisha on the phone and she asked why we were at the residence. I advised her we were doing a welfare check on the [REDACTED BY AGENCY]-year-old child and I wanted to speak to Darrien and get his side of the event. Trisha stated Darrien is absolutely not going to open the door because he is afraid of cops and that Darrien and the child are at the residence. Trisha stated we would have better luck calling him in order to speak with him because he will not speak to any law enforcement in person.
This case is being left active for further investigation.
[End of Narrative]
All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.
Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
There is a listed co-defendant in this case. Please see Darrien Blake Worthington for additional information.
6/11/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION FOR BOND
What this means: Trisha Lee Layhew’s attorney, Kearston Gill of the Cherokee Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s office, filed a formal request asking the Bartow County Superior Court to set a bond so that Layhew could be released from jail while her case is pending. The motion noted that no bond had been set since her arrest on June 8, 2026, and argued that she does not pose a significant risk of intimidating witnesses or obstructing justice.
6/11/26
ORDER AND RULE NISI ISSUED — BOND HEARING SCHEDULED
What this means: After the defense filed its Motion for Bond, the Bartow County Superior Court issued an Order and Rule Nisi — a court order directing all interested parties to appear and show cause why the bond motion should not be granted. The hearing was scheduled for June 16, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Courtroom D of the Bartow County Courthouse. Attorney Kearston Gill presented the order on behalf of Trisha Lee Layhew.
6/16/26
JUDGE DENIES BOND — TRISHA LEE LAYHEW TO REMAIN IN CUSTODY
What this means: Following the bond hearing, Judge D. Scott Smith of the Cherokee Judicial Circuit Superior Court ordered that bond be denied for Trisha Lee Layhew. The court found that she poses a significant threat or danger to any person, to the community, or to any property in the community. As a result, Layhew remains held in the Bartow County Jail without bond while her case moves forward.
7/17/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION FOR PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION
What this means: Trisha Lee Layhew’s defense team filed a motion asking the court to order a psychiatric evaluation of Layhew. This type of motion is typically filed when the defense has concerns about whether a defendant is mentally fit to participate in her own legal proceedings.
7/20/26
RULE NISI FILED — HEARING SET FOR 8/4/26 ON PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION MOTION
What this means: After the defense filed its motion for a psychiatric evaluation, the court issued a Rule Nisi scheduling a hearing for August 4, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to consider that request. A Rule Nisi is a court order that sets a date for all parties to appear and address a pending matter.
8/3/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION FOR FARETTA HEARING — LAYHEW SEEKS TO REPRESENT HERSELF
What this means: Attorney Kearston Gill filed a Motion for Faretta Hearing on behalf of Trisha Lee Layhew in Bartow County Superior Court (Case No. SUW2026001412). A Faretta hearing is a special court proceeding — named after a U.S. Supreme Court case — where a judge determines whether a defendant who wants to represent herself truly understands what she is giving up by waiving her right to an attorney. Layhew has indicated she wants to represent herself at jury trial. The motion asks the court to schedule that hearing and find that she meets the legal standard for self-representation.
8/3/26
ORDER AND RULE NISI FILED — FARETTA HEARING SCHEDULED FOR 8/11/26
What this means: On the same day the Faretta motion was filed, the court issued an Order and Rule Nisi scheduling a hearing for August 11, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to address Trisha Lee Layhew’s request to represent herself at trial.
8/4/26
COURT ORDERS MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATION — COMPETENCY TO STAND TRIAL
What this means: Following the August 4 hearing on the psychiatric evaluation motion, the Bartow County Superior Court ordered the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to conduct a formal evaluative examination of Trisha Lee Layhew. The purpose of this evaluation is to determine whether Layhew is mentally competent to stand trial — meaning whether she understands the charges against her and is able to assist in her own defense. Until the evaluation is completed and reviewed by the court, proceedings in the case may be affected.
8/11/26
FARETTA HEARING SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST 11, 2026
What this means: Trisha Lee Layhew has a court hearing scheduled for August 11, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Bartow County Superior Court to address her Motion for Faretta Hearing. At this hearing, the judge will consider Layhew’s request to represent herself at trial instead of being represented by her attorney, Kearston Gill. During a Faretta hearing, the court must determine whether Layhew fully understands the risks and consequences of giving up her right to legal counsel and whether she meets the legal standard to proceed without an attorney.
8/11/26
FARETTA HEARING HELD — DEFENSE ATTORNEY ZACHARY MOORE ENTERS APPEARANCE
What this means: The Faretta hearing scheduled for August 11, 2026, took place at 9:00 a.m. in Bartow County Superior Court. During this hearing, the court addressed Trisha Lee Layhew’s request to represent herself at trial. At the same time, defense attorney Zachary Moore entered his appearance in the case, meaning he is now formally representing Layhew in court proceedings.
8/11/26
TRISHA LEE LAYHEW WAIVES ARRAIGNMENT
What this means: Trisha Lee Layhew waived her right to a formal arraignment hearing. An arraignment is a court proceeding where a defendant is informed of the charges against her and asked to enter a plea. By waiving arraignment, Layhew agreed to proceed without that formal hearing and moved the case forward.
8/11/26
CONSOLIDATED MOTION AND INDEX TO MOTIONS FILED
What this means: The defense filed a consolidated motion — a single document combining multiple separate motions — along with an index and certificate of service. This is a procedural filing that organizes all pending motions in one place for the court’s review.
8/11/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION FOR DISCLOSURE
What this means: Trisha Lee Layhew’s defense team filed a motion asking the prosecution to disclose certain information or evidence related to the case. This is a standard procedural request in criminal cases.
8/11/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION FOR DISCOVERY
What this means: The defense filed a motion for discovery, requesting that the prosecution provide all evidence, witness statements, police reports, and other materials it intends to use or that may be relevant to Layhew’s case. Discovery is the process by which both sides exchange evidence before trial.
8/11/26
DEFENSE FILES BRADY MOTION — REQUEST FOR EXCULPATORY EVIDENCE
What this means: Attorney Zachary Moore filed a Brady motion on behalf of Trisha Lee Layhew. A Brady motion is a request for evidence that could be favorable to the defendant — evidence that might prove her innocence or reduce her culpability. The prosecution is legally required to turn over such evidence to the defense.
8/19/26
GRAND JURY RETURNS INDICTMENT — 17 COUNTS FILED AGAINST TRISHA LEE LAYHEW
What this means: A Bartow County grand jury formally indicted Trisha Lee Layhew during the August Term of 2026, returning a true bill in Case No. 26-1372 in Bartow County Superior Court. A grand jury indictment means that a panel of citizens reviewed the evidence presented by the prosecution and found probable cause to believe Layhew committed the offenses charged. The indictment was signed by District Attorney Erle J. Newton III of the Cherokee Judicial Circuit. All 17 counts are accusations only — Trisha Lee Layhew is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Count 1 — Aggravated Child Molestation (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-4(c)): Layhew is accused of committing an immoral and indecent act upon a child under the age of 16 between June 4 and June 5, 2026, with the intent to arouse sexual desires, by inserting an adult sex device into the child’s anus, causing physical injury to the child.
Count 2 — Aggravated Sexual Battery (O.C.G.A. § 16-6-22.2): Layhew is accused of intentionally penetrating the anus of a child under the age of 16 with a foreign object — an adult sex device — for the purpose of her own sexual arousal, between June 4 and June 5, 2026.
Count 3 — Aggravated Battery (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-24): Layhew is accused of maliciously causing bodily harm to the child by seriously disfiguring the child’s anus between June 4 and June 5, 2026. The child is identified in the indictment as Layhew’s own child.
Count 4 — Aggravated Battery (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-24): Layhew is accused of maliciously causing bodily harm to the child by seriously disfiguring the child’s peritoneal cavity — the internal abdominal area — between June 4 and June 5, 2026.
Count 5 — Aggravated Assault (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-21): Layhew is accused of making an assault upon the child using an adult sex device — an object likely to result in serious bodily injury when used offensively — by inserting it into the child’s anus between June 4 and June 5, 2026.
Count 6 — Cruelty to Children in the First Degree (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70): Layhew is accused of maliciously causing a child under the age of 18 cruel and excessive physical pain by inserting an adult sex device into the child’s anus between June 4 and June 5, 2026.
Count 7 — Cruelty to Children in the First Degree (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70): Layhew is accused of maliciously causing a child under the age of 18 cruel and excessive physical and mental pain by causing injuries to the child’s genitals between June 4 and June 5, 2026.
Count 8 — Cruelty to Children in the First Degree (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70): Layhew is accused of maliciously causing a child under the age of 18 cruel and excessive physical and mental pain by causing injuries to the child’s mouth between June 4 and June 5, 2026.
Count 9 — Cruelty to Children in the First Degree (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70): Layhew is accused of maliciously causing a child under the age of 18 cruel and excessive physical and mental pain by causing multiple bruises to the child’s back between June 4 and June 5, 2026.
Count 10 — Cruelty to Children in the First Degree (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70): Layhew is accused of maliciously causing a child under the age of 18 cruel and excessive physical and mental pain by causing multiple bruises to the child’s head between June 4 and June 5, 2026.
Count 11 — Cruelty to Children in the First Degree (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70): Layhew is accused of maliciously causing a child under the age of 18 cruel and excessive physical and mental pain by biting the child on the arm between June 4 and June 5, 2026.
Count 12 — Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70(c)): As the child’s caretaker, Layhew is accused of causing a child under the age of 18 cruel and excessive physical and mental pain by failing to provide adequate dental care, resulting in tooth decay, between June 4 and June 5, 2026.
Count 13 — Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70(c)): As the child’s caretaker, Layhew is accused of causing a child under the age of 18 cruel and excessive physical and mental pain through criminal negligence by providing inadequate living conditions — specifically, squalor — between June 4 and June 5, 2026.
Count 14 — Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70(c)): As the child’s caretaker, Layhew is accused of causing a child under the age of 18 cruel and excessive physical and mental pain through criminal negligence by failing to seek medical treatment after realizing an adult sex device was lodged inside the child’s body between June 4 and June 5, 2026.
Count 15 — Reckless Conduct (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-60(b)): Layhew is accused of unlawfully endangering the bodily safety of a 3-year-old child on or about June 4, 2026, by consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that leaving the child home alone would endanger the child’s safety.
Count 16 — Reckless Conduct (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-60(b)): Layhew is accused of unlawfully endangering the bodily safety of a 1-year-old child on or about June 4, 2026, by consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that leaving the child home alone would endanger the child’s safety.
Count 17 — Cruelty to Children in the Third Degree (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70(d)): Layhew is accused of committing Aggravated Assault — a forcible felony — upon a child between June 4 and June 5, 2026, while knowing that a second child under the age of 18 was present and able to hear the act.
8/28/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION FOR BOND
What this means: Trisha Lee Layhew’s defense team filed another motion requesting that the court set a bond so she can be released from jail while her case is pending. This is a second bond motion; the first was filed in June and was denied by the court.
8/28/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION FOR RELEASE OF PROPERTY
What this means: The defense filed a motion asking the court to return personal property that was seized from Layhew at the time of her arrest. This motion typically seeks the return of items that are not evidence in the case.
8/28/26
PROPOSED RULE NISI FILED
What this means: The defense filed a Proposed Rule Nisi to accompany its bond and property release motions. A Rule Nisi is a court order that sets a hearing date and requires all parties to appear and show cause why the requested relief should not be granted.
9/8/26
HEARING HELD ON BOND AND PROPERTY RELEASE MOTIONS
What this means: On September 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., Bartow County Superior Court held a hearing to consider Trisha Lee Layhew’s motions for bond and release of property.
9/8/26
BOND ORDER ISSUED
What this means: Following the September 8 hearing, the court issued a Bond Order addressing whether Layhew will be released from jail and, if so, under what conditions.
9/22/26
TRUE BILL ARRAIGNMENT HELD
What this means: On September 22, 2026, at 9:01 a.m., Trisha Lee Layhew appeared for a true bill arraignment in Bartow County Superior Court. A true bill arraignment occurs after a grand jury has returned a true bill — meaning the grand jury found probable cause that Layhew committed the crimes she is accused of. At this arraignment, Layhew was informed of the charges and entered a plea.
10/8/26
DEFENSE FILES MOTION FOR BOND REDUCTION
What this means: Trisha Lee Layhew’s defense team filed a motion asking the court to reduce the amount of her bond. This motion suggests that the current bond conditions are too restrictive or the bond amount is too high, and the defense is asking for more favorable terms.
10/8/26
PROPOSED RULE NISI FILED FOR BOND REDUCTION MOTION
What this means: The defense filed a Proposed Rule Nisi to accompany its bond reduction motion, scheduling a hearing date and requiring all parties to appear and address the request.
10/20/26
HEARING SCHEDULED ON BOND REDUCTION MOTION
What this means: Bartow County Superior Court scheduled a hearing for October 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to consider Trisha Lee Layhew’s motion to reduce her bond.
10/20/26
COURT DENIES BOND REDUCTION MOTION
What this means: Following the October 20, 2026 hearing on Trisha Lee Layhew’s motion to reduce her bond, Bartow County Superior Court issued an order denying the request. Layhew’s bond conditions remain unchanged, and she continues to be held under the current bond terms set by the court.
10/27/26
CALENDAR CALL SCHEDULED
What this means: A calendar call is scheduled for October 27, 2026, at 1:15 p.m. in Bartow County Superior Court. At a calendar call, the judge meets with attorneys from both sides to discuss the status of the case, confirm upcoming hearing dates, and address any scheduling issues or procedural matters before trial.