Georgia Father Charged With Murder After Falsely Claiming Infant Son Was Kidnapped
JONESBORO, GA. — A Clayton County father who initially told police his infant son was kidnapped during an armed robbery has now been charged with the baby’s murder, following a heartbreaking discovery and a rapidly unraveling story.
Authorities say Antonio Pearce, of Riverdale, is accused of killing his 6-month-old son, Nnakai Pratt, after misleading investigators with a false kidnapping claim.
The False Kidnapping Report
On Sunday, Pearce called police claiming that two armed men wearing black clothing had stormed into an apartment he was using as a stash house, stealing $6,500 in cash, three pounds of marijuana, and kidnapping his son, who was strapped in a car seat.
The apartment, located about 11 miles south of Atlanta, quickly became the center of an intensive two-day search involving local police and volunteers.
However, detectives soon began to question Pearce’s version of events as his statements repeatedly changed during questioning.
Tragic Discovery in Nearby Woods
After two days of searching, investigators found baby Nnakai’s body in a wooded area not far from the apartment.
By then, Pearce had already been taken into custody on unrelated charges, including marijuana possession and traffic violations. As his story fell apart, he was additionally charged with making false statements to police.
Following the discovery of the child’s body, authorities formally charged Pearce on Wednesday with:
- Malice murder
- Concealing a death
- Tampering with evidence
- Aggravated assault and battery
- Cruelty to a child
- Falsely reporting a crime
Judge Denies Bond at Hearing
During a bond hearing on Wednesday, Clayton County Magistrate Judge Keisha Hill Wright reprimanded Pearce for misleading investigators during the critical early hours of the case.
“You provided contradictory statements in the investigation of a missing child,” Wright said. “When witness accounts verified your contradictory statements, you admitted to concealing and falsifying material facts.”
Pearce was denied bond and remains in the Clayton County Jail.
Surviving Twin in Protective Custody
Police confirmed that baby Nnakai was one of two twins. His twin sister has been placed in the custody of Georgia’s Division of Family and Children Services as authorities continue investigating whether the children’s mother played any role in the incident.
Clayton County Police have not released details about a possible motive but confirmed the ongoing investigation involves the state medical examiner and child welfare officials.
Community Shock and Outrage
The case has left Riverdale residents stunned. Many who joined the initial search for the missing baby expressed outrage and sorrow after learning that Pearce’s story was fabricated.
“This community came together to find that baby,” one volunteer said. “To hear that the father made it all up—it’s unthinkable.”
Pearce faces life in prison if convicted. Authorities say additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Residents can follow updates on this case and share condolences for baby Nnakai at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
