Medical examiner's report reveals 14-year-old Chattanooga girl died of blunt force trauma

photo Carlos Juan Harrison

A Hamilton County Medical Examiner's report shows that a 14-year-old girl who was found dead on the porch of a residence was brutally beaten.

Chelsea Ineasia Hayes died from blunt force trauma to her head and neck. The report documents ligature marks around her neck as well as two circular bruises near her throat. Diagrams also show that the beating resulted in brain hemorrhages in several places.

Hayes also sustained injuries to her genital area, according to the report.

Carlos Juan Harrison, 18, has been charged with criminal homicide in connection with her death. According to court records, he propped her body up on a wicker love seat in front of his residence in the 3000 block of 12th Avenue before calling police.

Harrison, his mother and other residents at the home told police the girl had approached the home on the evening of May 13 and asked if she could sit on the porch. They said they came back out to the porch two hours later and she was dead, according to the arrest report.

Investigators pursued questioning, noting the blood coming from Hayes' nose and mouth. Harrison's mother decided she "wanted to tell the truth," according to the report.

She told police she had seen her son bring the girl into her home the night before, and that she had lied about that to cover up her son's involvement.

Harrison was out on bond on aggravated burglary and theft charges.

Once police confronted Harrison with his mother's story, he admitted he had been with the girl the night before. Harrison told police they met late Saturday, May 12, and that she agreed to stay over. The two had sex and fell asleep, he said.

photo Chelsea Smith Hayes

When he woke, he found her lying unresponsive on the floor, he said.

Harrison told police he did not know what caused the injuries to her neck and face, and that she was unharmed when he moved her.

Along with the homicide charge, Harrison also has been charged with tampering with or fabricating evidence. He remains incarcerated. His next court date is set for June 5 before General Sessions Court Judge Christine Mahn Sell.

Upcoming Events