The father and stepmother of a 3-year-old Alabama girl have pleaded guilty to charges related to her violent death in 2021. The heartbreaking case centers on young Aydah DiMaso, who was found dead with more than 50 signs of trauma in her father’s bathtub.
In October 2021, family members called police to conduct a welfare check on Aydah, which led to the devastating discovery. Authorities quickly determined that the girl had been severely abused and had recent and old bruises all over her body. Local media wsaz fitness zone They have since reported on the disturbing details surrounding his death.
According Jody Willoughby, Etowah District AttorneyAydah’s stepmother, Haley Dee Metz, recently pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse. A blind plea means that while Metz, 33, admitted her guilt, no agreement was reached on the length of her sentence. A judge will determine her sentence in November.
This comes after Aydah’s father, Nikolas Joseph DiMaso, pleaded guilty in June to charges of murder and conspiracy to commit child abuse. DiMaso, 25, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The details of the abuse Aydah suffered have shocked the community. According to The Gadsden Times, DiMaso admitted to violently attacking his daughter, including throwing her to the ground and kicking her in the stomach. The extent of the physical abuse, coupled with her tragic death, left Aydah’s family heartbroken.
Following Aydah’s death, her family launched a GoFundMe Fundraiser to cover funeral costs, describing the situation as “unthinkable.” The fundraising post also highlighted the deep bond Aydah shared with her grandparents, who had been fighting for custody of the little girl before her tragic death. “Aydah was a sweet soul with an infectious laugh, deeply loved by her grandparents who had been fighting for her custody.
“The system failed her and, sadly, this tragedy was entirely avoidable,” the post reads. In addition to the criminal cases, Aydah’s family has filed a lawsuit against the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), alleging that the agency’s failures directly contributed to the girl’s death.
According WBRC The family’s lawyer, Tommy James, has spoken out about the case, saying: “This case represents a blatant failure of the system that is supposed to protect our most vulnerable children.” He added: “Aydah’s death could and should have been prevented. We seek justice for Aydah and accountability for those who carried out her tragic death.”
The Alabama DHR has declined to comment on the case or the lawsuit filed by Aydah’s family. Speaking about the horrific nature of the case, the attorney Tommy James said WBRC Last year, “what this little girl went through is just horrific. You can’t even imagine.” As legal proceedings continue, the community remains united in seeking justice for Aydah, remembering the innocent life that was tragically cut short.
