HINESVILLE, Ga. (Court TV) — The mother of a 6-year-old with special needs who pleaded guilty to nine felonies in connection with the little girl’s death filed a motion to take back her plea.
Shelly Perry, 29, returned to court after being sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in 30 years, months after she pleaded guilty to felony murder, two counts of cruelty to children in the first degree, two counts of false statements and writings, one count of cruelty to children in the second degree, tampering with evidence and concealing the death of another. Perry avoided a trial when she entered her plea on March 11, almost three years after her daughter, A’Niyah Perry, was found unresponsive.
Shelly Perry in court on Oct. 26 (Court TV).
A’Niyah, who had cerebral palsy and used a wheelchair, died of starvation on May 1, 2023. Perry’s boyfriend, 40-year-old Brandon Robinson, also pleaded guilty in connection with the girl’s death.
Before Robinson was sentenced to 30 years — 20 of which were to be spent in prison, with the remaining 10 years spent on probation — Perry filed a handwritten request to withdraw her plea, claiming she was “abandoned” by her attorney.
During a hearing Monday, Perry appeared with her current attorney, Johnny Vines, who questioned her former attorney, Jason Nix, who appeared remotely. Vines asked Nix about their communications leading up to the guilty plea. Nix told the court that he and Perry communicated often, including on the day of the plea. He said Perry did not want to go to trial, and he believed she understood the terms of the plea.
Vines asked Nix if he ever considered whether Perry was suffering from a mental illness. Nix said that while Perry would react emotionally to discussions about her daughter, he believed her displays of emotions were “natural.” He stated that he did not question her competency.
Prosecutors read documents in which Perry stated that she understood the terms of the plea agreement and did not have any questions at the time.
Judge D. Jay Stewart denied Perry’s request to withdraw her plea and gave her 30 days to appeal the decision.
