Red flags raised before child was killed in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee(WDEF) – There is new information about the circumstances surrounding the death of a 3-year old girl whom police say was physically abused.

Doctors at Children’s Hospital told investigators 3-year old Tatiana Emerson died from blunt force trauma consistent with being struck numerous times.

That conclusion contradicts a statement by Rhasean Lowry, 34, who told police the girl fell down a flight of stairs at a Chattanooga motel.

WDEF talked with Emerson’s godmother, Shalon Hurst who said Tatiana and her brother recently started staying with their mother Melanie Emerson.

"We’re so heart broken because the kids just went back to their mother three weeks ago," Hurst said.

In fact, family and friends of the victim say there was a two year period when she and her 5-year old brother did not live with their mother because they said Ms. Emerson was hardly at home.

"That hurt me so. She should have let me keep those children because I had them. She had sent for them and I don’t understand why she sent for them," said their previous caretaker Reva Malone.

Family and friends of the victim also told WDEF that the signs of abuse were always present but very little was done to protect the children.

"I have pictures to show that Tatiana’s face; her whole face was messed up. How could you miss that? I have pictures of bruises on her feet. I don’t see how a mother can miss that," said Hurst.

Hurst also recalled another incident that raised red flags.

"Melanie Emerson called me one day and wanted me to come get the kids from her home because he had punched a hole in her kids bedroom door."

Very little information has been shed about the mom, Melanie Emerson until family and friends found out her daughter died from her injuries. Tatiana’s aunt, Brittany Poteet revealed why Emerson may have relied on Lowry to watch her kids at night while she worked.

"She’s a prostitute. She sells herself. On august 23rd she posted an add on one of the websites with semi-nude photos and said anyone was welcome of all races and ages," Poteet said.

WDEF spoke to a manager at the motel where Emerson, her two children and Lowry were staying. The manager said she only saw Ms. Emerson during the day with her kids but never saw her at night. She also said she didn’t think Emerson had an actual job.

The day after Tatiana Emerson was admitted into the hospital, Her mother reportedly checked out the motel and hasn’t been seen since.

Her 5-year old son was taken into protective custody by the state.

Lowry remains in jail on a $75,000 bond.

In the meantime, Tatiana’s aunt has started a Facebook page to honor her niece. So far, close to 500 people have joined the page.