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Written by: E. George
Publishe February 25, 2025 @ 3:05 PM ET
Warning: The following story contains information regarding alleged physical violence against/neglect of children.
Update: Charges have been dropped against three people who were facing murder charges after an autopsy revealed the baby they were accused of killing did not die of hypothermia, as initially believed.
According to sources, new evidence exonerated Bennie Nash, Lamisha Seright, and September Seright, who had been charged with malice murder and felony murder in connection to the infant’s death. September Seright was identified as the child’s mother.
Initially, authorities alleged that 3-month-old Josiah Seright died in August after being wrapped in a wet blanket, placed in a wet car seat, and left in front of an air conditioner set at a frigid 61 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the warrants and information from the sheriff’s office, Josiah Noel Seright’s death was a result of hypothermia and respiratory failure. Reports suggest that the mother, September De’Asia Seright, had left the baby in this condition after bringing him into the bathroom with her while she showered, thereby exposing him to further moisture and cold.
However, an autopsy report from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation later found that the child’s body temperature was above 95 degrees when discovered, ruling out hypothermia as the cause of death.
The official cause of death has been listed as undetermined. Lamisha Seright had previously been released on a $55,400 bond, while Nash and September Seright had been held without bond.
Following the new findings, all three individuals have been released from the Richmond County Jail.
RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. – A 3-month-old baby, Josiah Noel Seright, was pronounced dead early Tuesday morning after being found unresponsive at the Budget Inn on Gordon Highway in Augusta.
The incident has led to murder charges against the infant’s 19-year-old mother, September De’Asia Seright, along with Diane Lamish Seright, 42, and Antonio Bennie Nash, 39. All three individuals are from Washington, Georgia.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to an “unknown situation” at the Budget Inn at approximately 2:02 a.m. Tuesday. Deputies arrived to find the infant unresponsive.
Despite immediate medical intervention, Josiah could not be revived and was pronounced dead at Wellstar MCG Health at 2:37 a.m., according to Coroner Mark Bowen.
According to the warrants and information from the sheriff’s office, Josiah Noel Seright’s death was a result of hypothermia and respiratory failure. The baby was found wrapped in a wet blanket and placed in a wet car seat in front of an air conditioning unit set at a frigid 61 degrees Fahrenheit.
Reports suggest that the mother, September De’Asia Seright, had left the baby in this condition after bringing him into the bathroom with her while she showered, thereby exposing him to further moisture and cold.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office is scheduled to conduct an autopsy to confirm the precise cause of death, though the preliminary findings indicate severe neglect and harsh conditions contributing to the infant’s demise.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has charged September De’Asia Seright, Diane Lamish Seright, and Antonio Bennie Nash with second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to children. The three suspects are currently held at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center.
Details regarding Diane Seright and Antonio Nash’s specific roles in the incident have not been fully disclosed, but their involvement in the care and supervision of the infant has been highlighted as part of the ongoing investigation.
The sheriff’s office has indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and further details will be provided as they become available.
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