Newton County

Mother charged with murder in shooting death of her 2-year-old daughter

NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. — The mother of a 2-year-old girl found shot to death in Newton County has been charged with her murder.

Channel 2 Action News has been following this story since it broke Tuesday night.

Investigators say Jennifer Bellah, 31, called 911 Tuesday and told dispatchers she shot her daughter at her home in Oxford. Natalya Bellah was pronounced dead on the scene.

Channel 2's Audrey Washington spoke to Newton County deputies who responded to the scene.

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Newton County Sheriff's Office Deputy Favel Edwards told Washington they first received a call about an unresponsive child at a home on Brown Thrasher Run at 5:53 p.m. Tuesday.

Deputies said Bellah and her daughter were the only ones at home at the time.

“Jennifer Bellah was interviewed…and probable cause was determined to charge her with murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime," Edwards said.

A pistol, spent shell casings and spent bullets were recovered at the home.

Washington talked to neighbors, who said they can't believe what happened.

"It's just unthinkable," Michael Robinson said.

“This was a baby, a 2-year-old baby, so it’s devastating," Jackie Kendrick said.

Deputies have not said what the motive might be.

Bellah is due in court Thursday.