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By
Nicholas Carter
- June 9, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Victims
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Steven Heggie, Sr., 61, pleaded guilty to the involuntary manslaughter of his 13-month-old grandson, Messiah Heggie, on June 9. Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge John A. Howard presided over the hearing.
Heggie was initially charged with involuntary manslaughter, first-degree child abuse resulting in the death of a child under 13 years of age, second-degree child abuse and reckless endangerment. The maximum sentence for involuntary manslaughter is 10 years.
Before proceedings began, Heggie was observed quietly praying to himself. His girlfriend sat next to him, offering silent support. His adult son was present in the back of the courtroom, but chose not to speak during the hearing.
Defense attorney Robert Cohen argued the case with support from co-counsel Janet Anderson. The courtroom also heard from multiple witnesses, including three detectives and a medical doctor.
According to an interview Heggie gave in March 2024, Messiah was brought to his residence on Oct. 27, 2023. Heggie admitted to using heroin before Messiah arrived, saying he needed it to function. He said he put Messiah down for a nap and later found him unresponsive.
Heggie’s son took the toddler to Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Months later, on Feb. 16, 2024, his death was officially ruled a homicide by fentanyl.
A doctor from Sinai Hospital testified, suggesting traces of fentanyl might have been on or around the bed, and that Messiah may have accidentally ingested a lethal dose.
Parties are set to reconvene on Aug. 19.