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In a local crime news that has shaken Peach County, Christopher Palmer was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the brutal murder of his nine-month-old son, Cody Palmer.
Cody tragically died at a gas station in Fort Valley, Georgia, leading prosecutors to nickname him the "Buc-ee's Baby."
Forensic investigations in Cody Palmer's death later revealed a chilling pattern of abuse that had gone on for years.
What Happened To Cody Palmer?
On January 30, 2022, authorities responded to an incident at a Buc-ee's gas station, where Christopher Palmer and his family had parked their RV.
Inside the cramped trailer, the unimaginable had occurred.
Christopher Palmer, in a fit of rage, brutally beat his infant son, breaking his ribs and legs.
Cody was immediately rushed to an Atlanta hospital but he succumbed to his injuries days later.
Initially, Christopher Palmer claimed Cody had accidentally fallen during a bath.
However police report and expert testimony told a far different story.
Medical examinations revealed a history of abuse, with injuries inconsistent with a simple fall.
This chilling evidence led criminal investigators to classify Cody's death as a murder resulting from intense child abuse.
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Christopher Palmer's Troubled Past
Christopher Palmer's criminal history painted a disturbing picture.
Before relocating to Georgia, he had been convicted of second-degree sexual abuse in Syracuse, New York, in 2014.
According to the New York state sex registry, his victims were two young girls, ages five and seven.
He had also been arrested multiple times for failing to update his address on the registry and for charges ranging from burglary to petit larceny.
His violent tendencies extended to his wife, Shelly Deanna Rooks, who testified about enduring years of abuse.
Rooks recounted horrifying details of being duct-taped, doused with bleach, and tied with a dog leash inside the RV.
Justice For Cody Palmer: Christopher Palmer's Sentencing
Cody Palmer's murder trial was marked by harrowing testimonies and overwhelming evidence.
It was revealed that the family lived a nomadic lifestyle.
They didn't have a permanent address, as they traveled across the country in their RV.
During this time, Palmer continued to inflict harm on his family.
Cody’s two brothers, also victims of abuse, testified in court.
One brother recounted the events leading to Cody Palmer’s death.
He described an environment of "torture" that they endured until first responders arrived to rescue them.
Both boys have since been placed into foster care.
Medical professionals highlighted the devastating injuries sustained by Cody, while witnesses detailed Christopher Palmer’s violent history.
After a six-day trial and just 90 minutes of deliberation, the jury convicted Palmer on all counts, including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and child abuse.
He received a life sentence plus ten years for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
While Christopher Palmer will spend the rest of his life behind bars, the scars left on his surviving children and the community remain.
As District Attorney Anita Howard rightly said, “We have an obligation to protect the precious children in our community.”
If you suspect abuse, report it to local authorities.
You can also make anonymous reports online here or at your local police station if you want your identity hidden.
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