Her Father Assaulted Her. She Died 9 Years Later — and Now Her Mother Wants to Change a South Carolina Law

In a heart-wrenching story of tragedy and perseverance, a mother is fighting to change the laws in South Carolina after her young daughter, Egypt Henderson, passed away nine years after being assaulted by her father. The devastating incident occurred when Egypt was just 17 months old in 2015, as her father viciously beat her into a coma because she wouldn’t stop crying. This brutal act ultimately led to Egypt’s passing in 2024 at the tender age of 10.

Kaya Jackson, Egypt’s mother, received the harrowing call about her daughter’s condition back in 2015 and rushed to the hospital. Medical professionals informed her that Egypt had suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, which required emergency brain surgery. Despite surviving the initial attack, Egypt was left with profound disabilities, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, partial blindness, and hip dysplasia, due to the injuries inflicted by her father.

Joseph Morales, Egypt’s father, was convicted of inflicting injury on a child and received an 18-year prison sentence in 2016. However, the legal system’s limitations became painfully evident when Kaya learned that Morales couldn’t be charged with murder following Egypt’s passing due to a legal loophole in South Carolina. This law dictates that individuals cannot be prosecuted for homicide if the victim dies more than three years after sustaining the injury.

Filled with grief and a determination for justice, Kaya is now on a mission to amend this statute of limitations and hold perpetrators like Morales accountable, regardless of the time elapsed since the crime. Collaborating with South Carolina Representative Wendell Jones, Kaya aims to introduce new legislation that ensures justice for victims like Egypt and their families. By removing this legal barrier, they hope to prevent future tragedies and provide closure to those affected by such senseless acts of violence.

As Kaya pushes for legislative change, she also honours Egypt’s memory through various initiatives, such as petitioning to rename the street where Egypt lived and raising awareness about shaken baby syndrome. These efforts not only serve to commemorate Egypt’s life but also advocate for children’s welfare and prevent similar tragedies from befalling other families in the future.

The journey towards justice and reform is arduous, but Kaya remains resolute in her quest to make a difference and ensure that Egypt’s legacy shines as a beacon for change. Through her resilience, advocacy, and unwavering love for her daughter, Kaya embodies the strength and determination needed to confront systemic injustices and pave the way for a safer, more compassionate society for all children.