SUMTER COUNTY, Ga. — Trinity Madison Poague, a former beauty queen, appeared in court on Thursday in connection with the death of her boyfriend’s 18-month-old son, Romeo Angeles. Poague was arrested on January 19, 2024, just days after Angeles was found unresponsive in her dorm at Georgia Southwestern State University. He later died at a local hospital.
Poague faces serious charges, including malice murder, first-degree cruelty to children, two counts of felony murder, and two counts of aggravated battery. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During Thursday’s court session, which was short and procedural, a hearing was scheduled for November 17, 2024, with the trial expected to commence in the first week of December. An indictment revealed that Poague allegedly inflicted blunt force trauma to the child’s head and torso, causing severe injuries, including serious disfigurement to his liver and irreversible damage to his brain.
Poague was previously crowned Miss Donalsonville in 2023, but reports indicate she lost her title following her arrest. After posting a $75,000 bond, Poague has been released from custody while awaiting the trial.
This case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding child protection and the tragic outcomes that can arise in domestic situations. The community remains shocked as they await further developments in the trial.