Former Miss Donalsonville, Trinity Poague, is facing a chilling trial accused of murdering her boyfriend’s 18-month-old son in a fit of jealousy. Prosecutors say she saw toddler Romeo “Jaxton Dru” Angles as a rival for her boyfriend Julian Williams’ affection—and killed him to clear the way for her own child.
Jealousy and Brutality: The Prosecution’s Case
The trial kicked off on Tuesday at Georgia Southwestern State University, two and a half hours south of Atlanta. Despite damning evidence—including messages where Poague allegedly said she wanted to “punch the little boy”—she pleads not guilty.
Romeo died in January 2024 from savage blunt-force trauma to his head and torso. Medical experts told the court his brain was “useless” due to the severity of the injuries.
Prosecutors say Poague’s motive was a toxic jealousy of Williams’ relationship with Romeo. They claim she wanted a baby of her own and saw the toddler as an obstacle.
When Williams came home, Poague claimed Romeo had “fell off the bed”—a story medical experts say doesn’t hold water given the extent of the injuries. This was allegedly an early attempt to cover up the violence.
Hostile Messages and Heartbreaking Father’s Testimony
- Text messages revealed Poague’s dark feelings—she reportedly told her roommate she wanted to “punch the little boy.”
- Williams described finding Romeo vomiting desperately after his time with Poague and revealed he kept his vomit-stained sweatshirt as a “lasting memory” of his son.
“Detectives never asked for it; I kept it as a lasting memory of my child,” Williams told the court.
Medical Expert Slams ‘Fall’ Story
Dr Michael Busman, the ER doctor who treated Romeo, tore apart Poague’s fall claim. The toddler’s blunt-force injuries came from a “direct blow,” said the doctor, not a low fall from a bed.
Dr Busman testified that Poague admitted to shaking Romeo “because he was not acting correctly.” But shaking could not explain the severe blows to his head and torso, suggesting she tried to downplay her violence.
Dorm Student Hears Toddler Cry Until Sudden Silence
University student Lily Waterman painted a grim picture: “That kid was crying for a long time until everyone said that suddenly it just stopped. And no one knew what happened.”
The abrupt silence hints at the fatal moment. The persistent crying alerting multiple students suggests Romeo’s ordeal was agonising and witnessed from nearby.
From Beauty Queen to Murder Accused
Poague’s fall from grace is stunning. Stripped of her Miss Donalsonville crown after her arrest, the ruthless accusations clash violently with the compassion, grace, and values beauty queens are meant to uphold.
This shocking contrast between Poague’s public image and her alleged crime will be front and centre in court — a stark reminder how appearances can be deceiving.
Trial in an Unusual University Venue
The trial’s university setting allows witnesses like Waterman to testify close to where the tragedy unfolded. Poague faces life behind bars if convicted.
The defence may argue accident or lack of intent, but the brutal injuries and evidence paint a different picture.
This tragic case shines a harsh light on the dangers children face when jealousy and bitterness fester in those meant to protect them.
