Nineteen-month old Sophia Faye Davis of Mechanicsburg, Illinois was found murdered, allegedly at the hands of her dad's girlfriend/fiancé's, Cierra Coker. Sophia was brought to HSHS St John's Hospital February 6, 2022 and died two days later on February 8 at 12:27 pm of her injuries.
Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon reported preliminary results of the autopsy showing that Sophia died from traumatic brain injury caused by blunt force injuries to her head. Her death is suspicious and was under investigation.
Cierra Coker, 20 of Lincoln, Illinois has been charged with first degree murder and aggravated battery and was arrested February 23, 2022.
ALLEGED KILLER: Cierra Coker
ALLEGED ABUSE REPORTS
According to the State Journal, Sophia's mother saw the signs of abuse coming from the father's home. When she picked up Sophia January 2022, she found scratches on her head, a black eye, cuts on her mouth, bruises on her face, and what seemed to be friction burns on her face. Sophia was not moving her left arm. Mom took her to the hospital, where they confirmed her arm was broken. The Doctor believed it was child abuse and called DCFS. When DCFS visited the father's home the next day, Coker responded saying that Sophia was injured by the other children in the residence. Mom, however said that Coker kept changing her stories. Mom was afraid to bring her back that residence. DCFS said the allegations were unfounded.
On February 5 mom dropped Sophia off with her dad. The next day Coker called her and said Sophia was having trouble breathing, and was bleeding from her mouth. Mom told Coker to call 911. Sophia was airlifted to St John's in Springfield.
Sophia lost her fight to abuse.
COURT
As of August 2022, courts continue. Cocker was charged with 4 counts of first degree murder. There are no set Trial dates.
OBITUARY
Sophia Davis 2020 - 2022
Mechanicsburg, IL—Sophia Davis, 19 months old, passed away on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at St. John's Hospital.
Sophia was born on July 1, 2020, in Springfield, the daughter of Casandra Needham.
She is preceded in death by her grandfather, Rodney Pickrel; great grandparents, Debi Cantrall, Helen Needham, Jim Butler, and Betty and Paul Nelson, and Harold and Linda Page.
Sophia is survived by her mother, Casandra Needham; siblings, Alisa, Paige and Curtis Davis as well as several grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Visitation will be held from 9:30AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 11:00AM on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at Southtower Community Church, 1350 South Tower Road, in Dawson, with Pastor Charlie Carver officiating. Burial will follow at Mechanicsburg Cemetery in Mechanicsburg.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Mini-O'Beirne Crisis Nursery, 1011 N 7th St, Springfield, IL 62702.
Fullenwider-Park Funeral Home, 200 S. Church Street in Mechanicsburg is in charge of arrangements.
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