Murder and homicide by abuse charges filed against woman in Whatcom toddler’s death
Murder charges have been filed against the Whatcom County woman accused of killing her boyfriend’s 3-year-old daughter.
Kamee Nicole Dixon, 27, was charged Monday, Dec. 9 with homicide by abuse (domestic violence) and second-degree murder (domestic violence) for the death of Hazel Journey Homan, according to Whatcom County Superior Court records.
The homicide by abuse charge states that between June 2 and November 27, Dixon “under circumstances manifesting in extreme indifference to human life” caused Hazel’s death, and that Dixon engaged in “a pattern or practice of assault or torture,” according to court records.
The homicide charge includes aggravating factors that say Hazel was a household member, that Dixon used her position of trust and responsibility to commit the crime, and that Hazel was “particularly vulnerable or incapable of resistance,” the records state. Aggravating factors allow the courts to sentence either above or below the standard range for the crimes if the person is found guilty.
The second-degree murder charge states that on Nov. 27, Dixon committed or attempted to commit second-degree assault and in the course of that crime caused Hazel’s death, court records state.
In addition to the same three aggravating factors included in the homicide charge, the murder charge also includes a domestic violence component, and that the crime was part of an ongoing pattern “of psychological or physical abuse” and/or that Dixon’s conduct “manifested deliberate cruelty or intimidation,” of Hazel, the records state.
Dixon is currently incarcerated in the Whatcom County Jail in lieu of $1 million bail. Her arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 13.
Charging documents show that Hazel suffered a repeated pattern of abuse at the hands of Dixon in the last six months of her life that ultimately led to the toddler’s death on Nov. 30. The toddler allegedly suffered broken bones, bruises and burns while being cared for by Dixon. The homicide by abuse charge incorporates the past alleged abuse.
Dixon was not Hazel’s biological mother, but was in an “engaged” relationship with Hazel’s biological father, Brandon Homan. Dixon was Hazel’s primary caregiver while Homan was at work, including on the day of the incident that led to Hazel’s death, according to court records.
Hazel was taken into protective custody by Child Protective Services in November 2017 and placed with Homan’s mother. In June 2019, Hazel was returned to Homan’s custody, the court records state.
Hazel’s death
At 9:16 a.m. on Nov. 27, Bellingham police responded to the 2100 block of Texas Street for the report of a pediatric cardiac arrest, where they were told Hazel had choked on food, records state.
Hazel was taken to St. Joseph’s hospital where she was diagnosed with a brain bleed and hypothermia — her body temperature was approximately 86 degrees, court records show. Bellingham police observed Hazel had multiple bruises on her body and at least one cigarette burn, according to court records.
Hazel was then transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for treatment. On Nov. 29, a child abuse pediatrician told Bellingham police Hazel suffered a brain hemorrhage as a result of “shaken baby syndrome” and that the injuries could not have been caused by anything other than that, court records state. They also said there was no evidence of choking and that they suspected physical abuse.
A day later, Hazel was declared legally brain dead.
Dixon was arrested without incident Dec. 5 in the 4100 block of Cordata Parkway.
As of Monday afternoon, the King County Medical Examiner had not officially ruled on the cause and manner of Hazel’s death. Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Erik Sigmar said prosecutors file charges based on probable cause affidavits and the information they have in front of them at the time.
Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, you can contact the following local resources for free, confidential support:
▪ Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org.
▪ Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015.
▪ Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips.
▪ WWU Consultation and Sexual Assault Support Survivor Advocacy Services: 360-650-3700 or wp.wwu.edu/sexualviolence/.
▪ Brigid Collins Family Support Center: 360-734-4616, brigidcollins.org.
This story was originally published December 9, 2019 at 3:39 PM with the headline "Murder and homicide by abuse charges filed against woman in Whatcom toddler’s death."
