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Natalya Bellah

Age 2

Oxford, Georgia

Splashing and giggling. No more play.

Before she could even walk, she drove up and down the sidewalks of her Oxford, Georgia, neighborhood in a toy car. She loved to splash in the swimming pool, giggling as water droplets speckled her face.

A “beautiful little girl,” she lived with her grandparents and mother in her grandparents’ home. Even though her mother suffered from mental illness, neighbors saw them as a happy family who would often go on walks on nice days.

On Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, just before 6 p.m., Natalya Bellah, 2, was shot and killed by her mother.

By Nancy Bowne · Age 17
Meet the Reporters

More than 80 infants and toddlers

Paxton Reece Edwards

It seemed like a happy home

Izabella Marie Helem

Brother shoots his sister by accident

Moises Ramon Montano

He was resting in Mom’s arms

Kayleen Lor

She just wanted to help people

Messiah Murphy

A wrong turn, a grandson gone

Julien Gonzalez

The youngest infant at his daycare

Ke'Anthony Terez Jelks Jr.

He was well beyond his years

Nyla Jones

Shot by accident, while with family

Malachi La'Velle Michael Barnes

His mom had birthday invitations ready

Kyrie L. Johnson

He was only 17 months old

Owen Propes

Rosy cheeks, blue eyes. Only 3.

Montreal Dunn

Picket fence couldn’t keep him safe

David Jermaine Hall

Empty seat in his mother’s car

Mikayla Alina Walker

Champion won’t lift yellow sword again

Unknown

Ears ringing. Loud noise. Third accident.

Damion Little Jr.

By his mother’s side until death

Unknown

The pistol was on the counter

Livia Robinson

Sweet Livia’s smile ended while sleeping

Jason Garcia Perez

Three months from his first birthday

Aiden Martin

Cinnamon twists. Play-Doh. Accident. Bloody refrigerator.