Georgia Couple Indicted in Federal Court for Murder of Child at Ft. Stewart Army Base

On August 8, 2025, a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Georgia unsealed an indictment charging Brandon M. Kelley, 29, and Stacey D. Kelley, 26, both of Ft. Stewart, with felony murder and two counts of second-degree murder. The charges stem from the death of their child, Vyolet Kelley, who allegedly died from deprivation of adequate nourishment and medical care while living on the Fort Stewart Military Reservation.

Brandon Kelley was an enlisted soldier stationed at Fort Stewart during the time of the alleged offenses. The indictment alleges the child’s death resulted directly from the couple’s neglect.

Acting United States Attorney Tara M. Lyons called the allegations “heartbreaking” and affirmed the commitment to pursuing justice.

The case is under investigation by the United States Army Criminal Investigative Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy P. Dean and E. Greg Gilluly, Jr. If convicted, the Kelleys face penalties of up to life in prison, with no possibility of parole under the federal system.