Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin today announced that Rachin McCoy, DOB: 12/31/87, with a last known address of 90 Girard Avenue, Newport, pleaded guilty to one count of second degree murder before Superior Court Justice Melanie Thunberg for the assault and death of his 48-day old daughter on January 27, 2009. McCoy will remain held without bail at the ACI until sentencing, which is scheduled for September 27, 2011. The sentence for second degree murder is up to life in prison.
Had the case proceeded to trial, the State was prepared to prove that McCoy committed a violent assault upon his 48-day-old daughter Naomi McCoy on January 27, 2009. On that morning, McCoy had been left alone caring for his daughter. At some point later, he went to a friend’s house with Naomi, who appeared badly injured. Authorities were called and the child was brought to Newport Hospital and immediately transported to Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Ultimately, Naomi died three days later at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.
A child abuse investigation was commenced by the Newport Police. Medical evidence would have shown that she experienced significant blunt force trauma at the time she was in her father’s care.
Newport Police Detective Kevin Sullivan investigated the case, and Assistant Attorney General Matt Dawson and Special Assistant Attorneys General Kelly McElroy and Ania Hopkins handled the case for the Office of Attorney General.