Warren mother found guilty of murdering daughter

WARREN — A Trumbull County jury found Joy Hodge, 29, of Warren guilty of murder, felonious assault and child endangering in the death of her 15-month-old daughter, A’Nana Brantley.

The jury deliberated only 75 minutes this afternoon before rendering its verdict. Hodge could get life in prison when she is sentenced later.

The trial lasted all week in Judge W. Wyatt McKay’s courtroom.

In closing arguments, Diane Barber, assistant county prosecutor, admitted the case against Hodge was circumstantial, but it “points to only one person, and it points to Joy Hodge.”

A’Nana Brantley was found dead in her crib in her family’s Trumbull Homes apartment on Transylvania Street Southeast at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 6, 2011. She died of blunt-force trauma to her head and body. She, Hodge and three siblings lived together in the apartment.

For the complete story, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com