Paulsboro Mother, Stepfather Charged With Murder In Beating Death Of 9-Year-Old Girl After Claiming Car Hit Her

PAULSBORO, N.J. — A Paulsboro mother and stepfather told police their 9-year-old daughter was hit by a car while walking the dog. Prosecutors now say she was beaten to death, and both are charged with first-degree murder.

India Miller, 27, and Sean D. Scott, 45, both of Paulsboro, are being held at the Salem County Jail, Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns announced. Each faces a maximum of life in prison.

The 911 call

According to court documents cited by the prosecutor’s office, Miller and Scott called 911 at about 1:10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, to report that the girl was not breathing. Scott said she had been walking the dog and may have been struck by a vehicle. Miller told investigators she heard a loud sound like tires screeching before Scott went outside and found the child by their shed.

What investigators found

At the hospital, staff saw facial trauma, bruising over her entire body, and injuries that did not fit a vehicle crash, prosecutors said. She was pronounced dead just before 7 p.m., according to FOX29.

Investigators reviewed surveillance video from public buildings in the area and found no vehicle traffic during the time the couple described. The girl’s 4-year-old sibling told police that “dad” hit the victim in the eyes and face, prosecutors said.

According to FOX29, police also found what appeared to be blood-soaked clothes in a bathtub, along with blood on the surrounding tile and on cleaning supplies. An autopsy found numerous injuries in different stages of healing, which suggested prolonged abuse. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide caused by multiple blunt force injuries.

Charges

Miller and Scott are each charged with first-degree murder, first-degree accomplice to murder, two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, fourth-degree making a fictitious report to police, and fourth-degree hindering prosecution. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Alec Gutierrez and Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Elizabeth Tornese are handling the case.

Authorities have not publicly named the child.

Anyone who suspects a child is being abused in New Jersey can call the state’s 24-hour hotline at 1-877-NJ ABUSE (1-877-652-2873).

Criminal charges are allegations subject to proof in court. Miller and Scott are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Sources: Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, FOX29.