Justin Hurd trusted her best friend. She let Makallie Durham babysit her two children while she worked in Mississippi. At the time, the arrangement felt safe. The kids even had a nickname for the sitter. They went willingly.

Then everything collapsed.

On September 13, 2022, officers and paramedics rushed to a home after a call reported that two-year-old Kristian Harris had gone unresponsive. Justin hurried to the hospital. Staff tried to slow her down and keep her calm. Still, she sensed the truth the moment she reached her son’s room.

Meanwhile, Justin realized no one had accounted for her baby daughter, K’Helani. Family members soon found the little girl and saw bruises. Shock turned into rage. Justin also received a text from Makallie as deputies took her into custody. Makallie asked Justin to help her avoid jail. Justin refused. She demanded answers instead.

Two days later, on September 15, Kristian died.

Last month, Makallie pleaded guilty to capital murder and multiple child-abuse charges. The court sentenced her to spend the rest of her life in prison.

Today, Justin carries grief that never loosens its grip. However, she also keeps her son close in memory. She talks about the love he gave. She honors the big-brother joy he showed. And she rebuilds her life, one steady day at a time.