DECATUR, GA – A Georgia mother will spend the rest of her life in prison after admitting to killing her disabled 7-year-old daughter and hiding the child’s body in a closet for months, authorities said.
Alondra Hobbs, 29, pleaded guilty in a DeKalb County Superior Court on Wednesday to one count of malice murder, two counts of felony murder, and two counts of first-degree cruelty to children. Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson handed down a sentence of life without parole following Hobbs’ plea.
According to Hobbs’ attorney, the mother wanted to take responsibility, acknowledging her actions without seeking excuses or a trial.
The grim discovery of Alivia Jordan’s mummified remains was made in late June 2023 at an apartment in Decatur following a tip from a disconnected phone. Police found the girl’s body hidden in a closet, quickly identifying the remains by the child’s clothing and hair, neighbors recalled.
Police charged Hobbs with her daughter’s murder five days later. Investigations revealed a troubling history of arrests, including charges of simple assault and battery with family violence in recent years.
Following the discovery, a warrant stated that Hobbs had abandoned her daughter, leaving her strapped in a stroller with no intention of returning. It is believed the child was left helpless sometime between late February and late June of the same year.
During questioning, Hobbs admitted to leaving Alivia alive in the closet, claiming that she did so because her life was becoming too difficult. Alivia, described as autistic and affected by cerebral palsy-related seizures, died alone.
In court, a prosecutor noted Hobbs showed little remorse. Hobbs reportedly claimed indifference to a funeral for Alivia, stating that no one helped her with the child. She also mentioned facing personal struggles that led to her abandoning the girl. Additionally, Hobbs continued collecting Alivia’s disability benefits and began dating shortly after the child’s death.
Defense sought life with parole, arguing that Hobbs wanted to atone and seek mercy, but the court deemed the act too brutal to warrant leniency.
“Alivia Jordan did not deserve the slow, painful, and lonely death she suffered at the hands of her mother,” stated DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston. “This sentence holds Alondra Hobbs accountable, and I hope it offers some solace to her family.”
The case serves as a somber reminder that options exist for parents struggling and that child abandonment can never be justified.