Baby Bella’s Murderer Sentenced to 25 Years

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Darion Smith, the man accused of murdering his girlfriend’s four-year-old daughter in 2021, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison as part of a plea deal.

D’onya Walker, who was affectionately known as Bella, died on November 5 as a result of a beating inflicted by Smith.

The six months that Smith spent on remand before he was granted bail will be deducted from the overall sentence.

Bella’s mother, Ostonya Walker, is awaiting sentencing after she pleaded guilty to charges of exposing a child to grievous harm and child cruelty.

Their trial was supposed to begin before Justice Renae McKay however, they decided to forego a trial after receiving legal advice.

On the day in question, Bella’s mother, Ostonya Walker, left her in Smith’s care when she went to work.

An ambulance was called to the couple’s apartment at Major Subdivision, off Collins Avenue, after Bella became unresponsive following a beating.

An autopsy showed that Bella suffered multiple injuries to the head and torso.

She had recent and healing injuries.

Walker, who is four months pregnant, also beat her daughter, causing injuries.

She was outfitted with an ankle bracelet after her bail was allowed to continue overnight.

Walker returns to court on Tuesday when she is expected to be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Corrections to await sentencing.

Her lawyer Dorsey McPhee has requested a probation report.

Smith was represented by Damien White and Cassie Bethell was the prosecutor.