Case overview

A Philadelphia jury convicted Dominique Bailey and Kevin Spencer of third-degree murder and related offenses in the 2023 death of Bailey's four-year-old son Damari Carter; prosecutors say the child was fatally beaten and the defendants concealed the death.

Documented and reported timeline

1. Late 2023: Damari Carter's family lost contact with the four-year-old.
2. December 30, 2023: Philadelphia's Special Victims Unit began a missing-child inquiry, the DA says.
3. October 6, 2026: The DA announced jury convictions of Dominique Bailey and Kevin Spencer.

Evidence and its limits

The prosecutor's release establishes its account of the verdicts and evidence. A complete investigation also needs the verdict sheets, trial testimony, exhibits and defense positions. Concealment and false-report findings should be distinguished from the evidence supporting the killing itself.

Court, counsel and current posture

Last reported posture: Convicted; sentencing reported for December 4 at 9 a.m.; no sentencing judgment yet.

Court information below reflects the dated sources available for review. Filed documents and signed orders must control the final account. Allegations against a living accused person remain allegations unless admitted or proved in court.

Questions the records must answer

Further investigation: What medical and forensic evidence established the fatal injuries? What evidence supported conspiracy and concealment? What sentences are imposed and are appeals filed?

Source file

These links identify the available reporting and official material. A report describing a document is not the same as having the complete document.

• Third-Degree Murder Convictions of Two Defendants for Fatally Beating Toddler in 2023

Records and unanswered questions

Verdict sheets and docket; sentencing orders or confirmed setting; trial exhibits and transcripts; defense motions; status of recovered remains and any appellate filings.

Additional public records will be incorporated as they become available.