In a disturbing incident that is sure to evoke strong emotions, a mother is facing allegations of intentionally causing the death of her 8-year-old son in Miami-Dade County.
Shaneka McKinzie, 36, was taken into custody after confessing to the carefully planned and carried out murder of her son, Jaisyn Burgos, who had recently celebrated his eighth birthday in July.
As reported by WPLG Local 10 News, McKinzie, who had recently relocated to Miami-Dade from Missouri, admitted to using a tablecloth to strangle her son while he was sleeping in the backseat of her car.
The Miami-Dade medical examiner later confirmed that Jaisyn’s cause of death was strangulation. WSVN 7News stated that McKinzie had premeditated the murder and confessed to it two days prior, with the police verifying that she shared this information during the investigation.
Following the crime, McKinzie proceeded to engage in DoorDash deliveries and other errands before eventually taking her son to Hialeah Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
“She utilized a black tablecloth to suffocate and strange the victi. Moments later, when the victim stopped struggling and was rendered unconscious, the defendant released the tablecloth,” a release from the case said.
“Next, the defendant proceeded to conduct severals errands throughout Miami-Dade County, Florida. Several hours later, the defendant drove the victim to Hialeah Hospital.”
McKinzie is currently charged with first-degree murder and is in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Detectives are actively investigating this heartbreaking case and are encouraging anyone with information to step forward.
The community is in shock after learning about the incident, with numerous individuals expressing disbelief and sadness over the untimely passing of the young boy.
This tragedy has prompted discussions about mental health and child safety within the community. Detectives are appealing to anyone with details about the case to reach out to Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.
