Parents charged in death of Newport News girl, 7

By Cindy Clayton

Police have charged a couple in the April death of their adopted 7-year-old daughter.

Officers who were called about 1:40 a.m. on April 4 to the 200 block of Gallery Court found the girl, Terrilynn Destiny Dennis, not breathing, police wrote in a news release. Family members were performing CPR on the girl until paramedics arrived and took her to a hospital where she died.

The girl, who was adopted in December 2012 from Louisiana, had several medical issues.

The medical examiner needed additional time to investigate because of complexities with the case, the release says. Research and lab results led to a ruling of homicide on Sept. 23.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney reviewed the case and sought warrants charging Terri Winslow Dennis, 31, and Pamela Travers Dennis, 40, with felony child neglect, the release says. They were arrested Monday at their home in the 200 block of Gallery Court and were being held in jail.

No other information was immediately available.