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Amari Hall's death: Trial gets underway for woman accused of killing 8-year-old

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Published  December 10, 2024 2:08pm EST
Gwinnett County
FOX 5 Atlanta

The Brief

    • Trial begins: Opening statements took place Tuesday in the trial of one of two women accused of killing 8-year-old Amari Hall in Gwinnett County in 2021.
    • Case details: Brittany Hall, Amari's mother, told police her partner, Celeste Owens, killed the child and dumped her body in DeKalb County.
    • Evidence presented: Police and prosecutors cite hotel video showing Owens and Hall beating Amari and her siblings, as well as autopsy findings of fractured ribs, internal bleeding, and malnourishment.
    • Cause of death: The coroner ruled Amari's death as battered child syndrome, with police and prosecutors alleging Owens was primarily responsible.

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - Opening statements took place Tuesday afternoon in the trial of one of two women accused of killing 8-year-old Amari Hall in Gwinnett County in 2021.

Amari, who had been diagnosed with autism, was the biological daughter of Brittany Hall. Celeste Owens and Amari's mother were in a romantic relationship at the time of Amari's death. Celeste Owens is the woman who is currently on trial. 

Celeste Owens

Amari’s mother initially called 911 to report her missing, claiming she disappeared from their upstairs unit at Hometown Studios and Suites on Jimmy Carter Boulevard.

Brittany Hall and her daughter

Gwinnett County Police Chief J.D. McClure said officers later found Amari’s body in a wooded area near the Stone Mill Trace subdivision at Stone Mill Trace and Stone Mountain Freeway.

Authorities suspected foul play due to inconsistencies in statements given by the two women. Prosecutors said police also spoke with Brittany Hall’s five- and six-year-old sons, who reported that Hall had been hurt by the women.

Video footage from inside the extended-stay hotel allegedly showed Owens and Brittany Hall beating the three children, according to prosecutors.

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An autopsy revealed that Amari had several fractured ribs, internal bleeding, and signs of malnourishment. The coroner determined her cause of death to be battered child syndrome.

Police and prosecutors believe Owens caused Amari’s death and later dumped her body in DeKalb County.

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