The killing of 3-month-old infant Jayniah Watkins by her mother, Deasia Watkins, in 2015 was a shattering and tragic incident that deeply affected the nation.
Subsequently, numerous conversations and debates have occurred regarding the circumstances surrounding the homicide.
One of the most contentious subjects is the publication of crime scene images and their dissemination on social media.
Contextual Background
On March 16, 2015, law enforcement officers reacted to a 911 call and found the decapitated baby on the kitchen counter of an aunt who was temporarily looking after the infant girl.
Authorities stated that the infant had been stabbed numerous times with a large chef’s knife. Deasia had a fractured arm and had put the knife in the baby’s hand to make it seem like the baby had done it.
Deasia Watkins suffered from mental illness and was taking medication for postpartum psychosis. As per a family member, Watkins had been behaving erratically and conversing with demons.
Two months before the killing, Deasia was diagnosed with postpartum psychosis and admitted to the hospital for three days.
The trial led to Deasia Watkins receiving a life sentence of 15 years. She eventually pleaded guilty but had previously pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to aggravated murder. The mentally ill mother was directed to receive mental health treatment and was later deemed competent to stand trial.
Reddit’s Viral Distribution of Deasia Watkins and Baby Jayniah Watkins’ Tragic Death Photographs
Following the homicide, numerous individuals on social media shared photos of the crime scene involving baby Jayniah.
Regrettably, those images spread widely on platforms such as Reddit. These images sparked widespread indignation, with many individuals denouncing the dissemination of such explicit photos.
Despite the distressing nature of the images, many individuals still sought them out and deliberated their content online. However, this is not surprising, as the exchange of graphic images and videos has become increasingly prevalent on social media platforms.
Reasons Sharing Photos of Jayniah Watkins’ Crime Scene Is Inappropriate
The dissemination of crime scene photos is understandably distressing and traumatic for the family members of the victim. Moreover, these images can have a lasting impact on younger individuals who may encounter them on social media.
While the sharing of such images might be portrayed as an effort to raise awareness, it is important to realize that it constitutes an invasion of privacy for both the victim and their family.
Posting such images can also trigger symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety for individuals who come across them.
Furthermore, it is not only the family of the victim who is impacted by such images. The first responders and law enforcement officials who were present at the scene of the crime are also affected by this invasive practice.
Therefore, the proliferation and distribution of crime scene photos should be abstained from at all times. It is unnecessary to inflict additional pain and trauma on the family members who have already endured unimaginable suffering.
Raising Awareness
Posting or exchanging explicit crime scene photos is not only insensitive but also illegal. It is essential to respect the privacy of the victim and their family.
The tragic killing of Jayniah Watkins should serve as a reminder that we must act with compassion and express our opinions in a responsible manner.
We should come together to heighten awareness and continue discussions about identifying and addressing mental illnesses to safeguard mothers and their children.
By doing so, we can pay tribute to the memory of Jayniah Watkins and ensure that no other innocent child becomes a casualty of this atrocity.
