The coward Bronx mom who admitted she beat her helpless 7-year-old daughter to death refused to show her face in court Tuesday — twisting the knife for the tragic girl’s kin who’s waited far too long for justice.
Navasia Jones, 35, weaseled her way out of coming face to face with little Julissia Batties’ father and grandmother — who were set to deliver blistering victim impact statements in Bronx Supreme Court ahead of getting slapped with a 15-year sentence — by complaining that press was present in the courtroom.
“She’s running away from what I have to say,” Julius Batties said. “She’s scared to face her daughter’s father after what she did. She needs to be dragged out and hear what we have to say.
“This is her own little mind game of work in the system,” he added.
Jones pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges for beating Julissia to death in their squalid Bronx apartment — with the little girl’s battered body found on Aug. 10, 2021.
“She’s playing the system,” grieving grandmother Yolanda Davis said Tuesday after the botched proceedings. “She said she’s overwhelmed. What about my granddaughter? She’s overwhelmed. How can you say that when you beat up my granddaughter and killed her?
“I want her to hear what I have to say and the bad impact that this has had on my family, members of the community, neighbors,” Davis continued. “She showed no remorse, none.”
Bronx Judge Joseph McCormack on Tuesday said Jones — who’s previously refused to come to court — would be forced to appear in person for sentencing on June 16.
“I was just informed that your client has refused to come upstairs, that she indicated that she’s aware of press or something of that nature was present,” McCormack told defense lawyer Edward Sapone.
McCormack refused to proceed with the sentencing with Jones absent.
The city’s Administration for Children’s Services had investigated the family and taken Julissia away from Jones at birth — but had later returned the girl to her mom’s custody
In a heartbreaking audio recording obtained by The Post before her death, the youngster is heard hysterically sobbing and begging to remain with her grandmother during a weekend visit.
Julissia’s half-brother, Paul Fine Jr., was also charged in her death, telling cops that he punched his sister eight times in the face.
In March, he was cut loose and allowed to go free, while Jones copped to manslaughter.
Davis and Julius are begging for closure in the disturbing case that’s underscored failure after failure by ACS, the city agency tasked with protecting children like Julissia.
“We need closure so the baby can rest in peace,” Davis said. “We’re not going to forget her. It’s so sad. I’m angry, very angry. I just want her to rest. I can’t do this too much more.”
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