Missouri – In a deeply disturbing case in Missouri that took place just days before Christmas, a father identified as K. Galloway and his girlfriend, identified as D. Hankins, have been charged in connection with the death of a 3-year-old girl who authorities say suffered prolonged abuse and died in a motel room. The couple is now facing multiple felony charges after investigators say the child endured physical beatings, restraints, and verbal abuse until her body gave out. The charges filed against the pair include abuse or neglect of a child resulting in serious emotional or physical injury, first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and possession of a controlled substance. Both Galloway and Hankins remain jailed without bond.
Officers were called to a motel on December 23 after the couple reported that the young girl was not breathing. When police arrived, they found the toddler already dead. According to court documents, the child had visible black eyes and ligature marks around her wrists and ankles—clear signs, investigators say, of prolonged physical abuse and restraint. The child’s father, Galloway, told police that he and his girlfriend had used zip ties to partially restrain his daughter due to what they described as “behavioral issues.” He admitted to hitting her on the body and smacking her mouth to “correct her behavior” and stated that this so-called discipline continued throughout the day and into the night before her death.
Galloway also confessed that he had witnessed Hankins striking his daughter in the head and mouth. He described Hankins’ actions as excessively loud and forceful. Hankins confirmed parts of this account and stated that Galloway became increasingly angry when the child refused to fall asleep on the night of her death. She said Galloway ultimately kicked the toddler in the head. Despite this, neither adult checked on the child or sought medical help. Instead, they covered her with a blanket, telling her to go to sleep. They later claimed to hear the child making “loud breathing noises” but assumed she was playing or being disruptive, as she had done before. It wasn’t until hours later that Hankins checked on the 3-year-old girl and found her unresponsive. By the time first responders arrived, the child was beyond help.
The probable cause affidavit outlines a grim pattern of abuse that escalated in both frequency and severity. The couple admitted to using physical punishment on a regular basis, including smacks to the head and restraints with zip ties. Police say the trauma the child endured left visible injuries that were consistent with her being bound and repeatedly struck. A search of the motel room revealed methamphetamine and other drug paraphernalia. Hankins admitted the drugs were hers, while Galloway claimed he didn’t use them but knew they were present. Galloway, who has a prior criminal record including charges for domestic assault and drug offenses, and Hankins, now both face a series of criminal charges that could lead to decades behind bars if convicted.
In the aftermath of the 3-year-old girl’s death, loved ones have turned to the community for support. A GoFundMe organized by her extended family described the toddler as a “happy and wonderful little girl” who brought joy to those around her. She was also described as a child “born with a bright spirit and a loving smile.” As the legal proceedings move forward, many are left grappling with the devastating reality of a child’s life stolen by those who were supposed to protect her. The investigation remains active as prosecutors prepare their case against the couple responsible for this heartbreaking loss.
