The father of a 7-year-old Bronx girl who was tragically killed expressed his frustration with the authorities for the prolonged delay in the case, as the child’s mother failed to appear at a scheduled hearing.
Navasia Jones, the mother, caused further delays by refusing to leave a city Corrections Department bus after being brought to Bronx Supreme Court from Rikers Island for her court appearance.
Julius Batties, the heartbroken father, expressed his disbelief and sadness at the lack of progress in the case. He stated, “This is unreal. Three years and nothing? She’s sitting in jail but that’s nothing, that’s not justice. It’s like she never murdered my daughter.”
After the court appearance was adjourned to Wednesday due to Jones’ absence, the case highlighted the tragic discovery of the girl’s body in Jones’ apartment three years ago.
The delay in the case has been attributed to the late arrest of Jones and her son, Paul Fine Jr., on murder and manslaughter charges a year after the girl’s death.
The father expressed frustration at the lack of progress in the case and demanded closure. He said, “I’ve got to keep living this everyday. I can’t move forward with my life because this is still going on.”
“It’s like being stuck in a horror movie,” Batties said, adding, “Maybe something will happen on Wednesday.”
