Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers announced the indictments of Hydia Hamilton-Smith (DOB 10/25/98) and Rodney Williams (7/10/91) for the death of 21-month-old Darnell Gamble. Williams is also indicted for the abuse of a two year old child (A.D.) in 2018.

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Hamilton-Smith was indicted for two counts of Murder (SF), one count of Felonious Assault (F2), two counts of Endangering Children (F2/F3), and one count of Involuntary Manslaughter (F1).

Williams was indicted for two counts of Murder (SF), one count of Felonious Assault (F2), and two counts of Endangering Children (F2).

If convicted on all charges, both defendants face a maximum possible sentence of life in prison.

On July 31, 2022, Hamilton-Smith called 911 to report a burn injury to Gamble. Gamble was taken to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital where he was ultimately pronounced dead. The cause of death was determined to be head trauma.

Gamble’s autopsy revealed the following injuries: cigarette burns, burns to left side of body (undetermined cause), bite marks on right shoulder, upper arm, left lower leg, hands and fingers, liver laceration, rib fracture, optic nerve damage, and brain trauma.

At the time the injuries occurred, Gamble was in the exclusive care of Hamilton-Smith and Williams. Hamilton-Smith is Gamble’s mother. Williams is Hamilton-Smith’s boyfriend.

Williams is also indicted for an incident in 2018. Williams abused his then-girlfriend’s two-year-old child,

A.D. Upon presentation to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, A.D. was found to have the following injuries: abdominal bruising, liver lacerations, lacerations on the adrenal gland, a black eye, fluid in his pelvis, bite marks, and swollen and blistered lips. A.D. survived his injuries.

Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers commented, “What happened to these innocent babies is horrific. I can’t imagine the pain these children suffered during their short lives.

Someone who is capable of something like this should never get out of prison.”