The death of two-year-old Key’Monnie Bean has prompted serious criminal charges in Philadelphia and renewed scrutiny of how severe child abuse cases unfold behind closed doors. Prosecutors say the toddler suffered a brutal beating inside a South Philadelphia home, resulting in fatal injuries that showed signs of prolonged abuse. Authorities allege that the violence occurred while the child was under the care of adults who failed to protect her, leading to multiple arrests and charges connected to her death.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced that three individuals have been charged following an investigation into the incident that occurred on December 8, 2025, at a residence on the 2100 block of South Beechwood Street. The most serious charge—murder—has been filed against Sean Hernandez, the boyfriend of the child’s mother. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the age of the victim, the severity of the injuries, and allegations that the abuse may have been ongoing.
Events Leading to the Child’s Death
According to police and prosecutors, officers were dispatched to the South Beechwood Street residence at approximately 8:35 p.m. on December 8 after receiving a report of an unresponsive child. When officers arrived, they were directed to the basement of the home, where they found Key’Monnie Bean lying on the floor and not responding. Law enforcement officials stated that the child exhibited extensive bruising across her body, immediately raising concerns that her injuries were not the result of an accident.
An officer at the scene began performing CPR while awaiting the arrival of emergency medical personnel. Key’Monnie was transported to a nearby hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead at approximately 9:42 p.m. the same evening. Prosecutors later stated that early medical findings suggested the child’s airways may have been compromised, raising the possibility that suffocation played a role in her death alongside blunt force trauma.
Investigators allege that the injuries observed were consistent with a severe beating rather than a single isolated incident. Officials said the bruising appeared widespread and at different stages, suggesting the child may have been subjected to abuse over a period of time. This aspect of the case has become central to the prosecution’s argument that the violence was deliberate and sustained.
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Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner described the incident as a “brutal beating” that, by all indications, directly caused the child’s death. During a press event, Krasner stated that the evidence gathered thus far points to intentional harm inflicted on the toddler while she was under the supervision of adults who were responsible for her care and safety.
Charges Filed Against the Suspects
Sean Hernandez, 21, who prosecutors say was the mother’s boyfriend at the time of the incident, has been charged with murder, possession of an instrument of a crime, reckless endangerment, and related offenses. Hernandez is also known by the alias Raafi Gorham, according to court records. Authorities emphasized that Hernandez was not the biological father of the child but was residing in the home.
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Hernandez is currently being held in custody, and his preliminary hearing has been scheduled for January 5, 2026. Prosecutors allege that he was directly responsible for beating Key’Monnie, resulting in injuries that proved fatal. The district attorney’s office has stated that the charges reflect both the severity of the injuries and the circumstances under which they occurred.
In addition to Hernandez, two other individuals have been charged in connection with the case. Alycia McNeill, 20, the child’s mother, and Anthony Lowrie, 21, both of South Philadelphia, have been charged with obstruction of justice and related offenses. While neither McNeill nor Lowrie has been charged with murder at this stage, prosecutors allege that their actions after the incident hindered the investigation.
Officials have not publicly detailed the specific conduct that led to the obstruction charges, but they indicated that evidence suggests attempts were made to conceal or misrepresent what had occurred before authorities arrived. The district attorney’s office stated that these charges reflect failures to act appropriately in the aftermath of the child’s injuries and death.
Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski noted that investigators are continuing to review medical findings, witness statements, and forensic evidence as the case proceeds. Prosecutors have indicated that additional charges could be considered depending on the outcome of ongoing reviews and court proceedings.
Father’s Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
Key’Monnie’s father, Ta’Shaun Walls, spoke publicly following the announcement of charges, expressing anger and grief over the death of his daughter. In an interview, Walls stated that there was no justification for anyone to harm his child and called for the maximum possible punishment for Hernandez if convicted.
Walls also directed criticism toward the child’s mother, alleging that she witnessed the abuse and failed to intervene. He stated that he believes she should face more serious charges, asserting that she did nothing to protect the child and then fled the scene after the incident. While McNeill was questioned by detectives, she was later released pending further legal action, a decision that has drawn public attention and emotional responses from the family.
Authorities have not confirmed whether McNeill directly witnessed the beating, but prosecutors acknowledged that the investigation includes an examination of who was present in the home, what they observed, and how they responded before and after emergency services were contacted. Law enforcement officials emphasized that determining criminal liability depends on evidence establishing knowledge, intent, and actions taken by each individual involved.
The Philadelphia Police Department and the district attorney’s office continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Key’Monnie’s death. Officials stated that forensic analysis, including autopsy results, will play a critical role in establishing the precise cause of death and the timeline of injuries. These findings are expected to be presented during court proceedings.
The case has underscored ongoing concerns about child abuse, particularly in situations where young children are dependent on caregivers who may fail to protect them. While prosecutors have focused on presenting the facts of the case as supported by evidence, the death of a two-year-old under such circumstances has generated widespread public attention and scrutiny of the legal process that follows.
As the case moves forward, Hernandez remains in custody awaiting his preliminary hearing, while McNeill and Lowrie face obstruction-related charges. Prosecutors have stated that they will continue to pursue accountability based on the evidence and ensure that the circumstances surrounding Key’Monnie Bean’s death are fully examined in court.