Wilkins v. State

A jury convicted Willie Joe Wilkins of malice murder, felony murder and three counts of cruelty to children in the death of three-year old Clayton Miracle and the beating of his twin sister Kelly Miracle. 1 Wilkins appeals and challenges the sufficiency of the evidence. Because the evidence, including Wilkins' own statements, was sufficient [267 Ga Page 87] to support the convictions, we affirm. The evidence showed that the state placed Clayton and Kelly in foster care with Wilkins and his wife Betty Sue Wilkins 2 on June 9, 1993. On August 10, 1993, paramedics were summoned to the Wilkins' home by a 911 call and were told that Clayton had fallen in the tub. When the paramedics arrived, Clayton was not breathing and had bruises all over his body. He was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center and airlifted to Scottish Rite where he had emergency surgery. He was declared brain dead at 9:05 p.m. on August 11 and life support systems were disconnected. The doctor who performed the autopsy testified that the severe and extensive injuries were not consistent with an accidental fall and that injuries and bruising found all over Clayton's body were consistent with battered child syndrome. Doctors also examined Kelly and found the same pattern of bruises on her. In a videotaped statement, Wilkins told police that he was angry with Clayton after Clayton soiled his pants and that he hit him.