A former U.S. soldier and his wife face serious federal charges after prosecutors say they starved their young daughter to death at a Georgia military base. The case has sent shockwaves through the Fort Stewart community and highlighted concerns about child welfare on military installations.
Brandon M. Kelley, 29, and Stacey D. Kelley, 26, were indicted by a federal grand jury on August 8, 2025, on charges of felony murder and two counts of second-degree murder. The charges stem from the death of their daughter, Vyolet Kelley, who died while the family was living at Fort Stewart Military Reservation in southeast Georgia.
Federal prosecutors allege that the child died because she was deprived of adequate nourishment and medical care while living at Fort Stewart Military Reservation. The indictment states that between October 26, 2024, and November 22, 2024, the defendants aided and abetted each other to cause the girl cruel and excessive physical and mental pain by depriving her of adequate nourishment and medical care, causing her death.
Legal proceedings and potential consequences
Brandon Kelley was an enlisted soldier at Fort Stewart during the time outlined in the indictment. According to court documents, the couple deprived their daughter of food and medical care for nearly a month, resulting in her death. The exact age of Vyolet Kelley has not been disclosed, though the indictment notes that she was under the age of 18.
Acting United States Attorney Tara M. Lyons said in a statement, “The allegations in this case are heartbreaking on many levels. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice.” If convicted, the Kelleys could face life in prison. Some reports indicate that if convicted on the felony murder charge, the couple could potentially face the death penalty.
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— Qᴀɢɢ.ɴᴇᴡꜱ (@qaggnews) August 13, 2025
A federal grand jury, in the Southern District of Georgia, indicted a husband and wife for murdering their child, Vyolet Kelley, by depriving her of adequate nourishment and medical care.
On August 8, 2025, a federal court unsealed a federal indictment charging Brandon… pic.twitter.com/xmcrTKyQZG
Both Brandon and Stacey Kelley are being held at the Liberty County Jail on a hold for the U.S. Marshals Service. Stacey Kelley appeared in court on Monday and is expected to have a detention hearing next week, while Brandon Kelley is expected to appear in court on Wednesday. Court filings reveal that Brandon Kelley, through his attorney, requested multiple leaves of absence for the fall and winter season.
The case was investigated by the United States Army Criminal Investigative Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy P. Dean and E. Greg Gilluly Jr. Because the incident occurred on a federal military installation, the case falls under federal jurisdiction rather than state court.
Fort Stewart, located about 40 miles southwest of Savannah, Georgia, has faced other recent challenges. The indictment comes days after a Fort Stewart soldier allegedly took a gun to work and shot five people. That separate incident involved Sergeant Quornelius Radford, who was arrested and charged with multiple counts including attempted premeditated murder.
