A Georgia babysitter is headed to prison after a 2-year-old girl in her care was found dead — hidden in a plastic bin inside a closet.
Phillissa Diallo, 44, was sentenced last week to 37 years, with the first 21 years to be served behind bars.
What Happened
The case began on December 14, 2022, when Diallo walked into the Canton Police Department and reported a dead child at her apartment. Officers found the remains of 2-year-old Alyssa Rose Davis stuffed in a plastic bin filled with a salt-like substance — hidden in a closet beneath other items.
An autopsy revealed Alyssa had lethal amounts of acetaminophen and diphenhydramine in her system — common ingredients found in Tylenol and Benadryl.
Left Alone for Days
Ring doorbell footage told a disturbing story. Instead of caring for Alyssa, Diallo repeatedly left the toddler alone in the apartment for long periods. She also misled Alyssa’s mother with regular check-in messages — while the child was already gone.
Alyssa was last seen alive on December 8, 2022. Her mother had no idea her daughter had died until police knocked on her door.
“She Could Have Saved Her”
Diallo later admitted she found Alyssa in distress — but never called 911.
“Had she called for help, Alyssa would still be alive today,” prosecutors said.
She pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, cruelty to children, and concealing a death. Her defense argued she suffered from anxiety, depression, and delusion at the time.
Family Speaks Out
At sentencing, Alyssa’s mother said she was “robbed” of her daughter. Alyssa’s siblings miss her deeply, and the family says they will never be the same.
Prosecutor Rachel Hines said: “Alyssa was not treated with the protection and dignity owed to every child — and that reality will haunt everyone involved in this case.”
