An Illinois woman has been convicted of first-degree murder in the death of a 19-month-old toddler who was in her care. Cierra Coker, 24, was found guilty Thursday after a second trial — her first ended in a mistrial in August 2025.
What Happened to Sophia
On February 5, 2022, Coker called 911 after finding her boyfriend’s daughter, Sophia Davis, unresponsive at their Lincoln, Illinois home. During the call, Coker told dispatchers the toddler’s head was “tilted like she’s dying” and that her mouth was bleeding.
EMTs arrived to find Sophia lifeless with blue lips. She was airlifted to St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, where doctors determined she had suffered cardiac arrest due to non-accidental trauma. Sophia became brain-dead shortly after arrival and died three days later. The cause of death was blunt force trauma.
CPR Refused
Before calling 911, Coker had video-called Sophia’s mother, Casandra Needham, who could see the child was not breathing. Needham urged Coker to perform CPR. Coker refused, saying she was not comfortable doing it — then ended the call.
What the 9-Year-Old Witnessed
Sophia’s older sister Paige, who was 9 at the time, testified that she saw Sophia bite Coker’s finger. Coker then took the toddler into another room. When they came back out, Sophia’s mouth was bleeding and she was barely moving.
Defense Arguments Rejected
The defense argued Sophia had autism, developmental delays, and existing health conditions that may have contributed to a natural death. Jurors rejected that argument unanimously.
Sentencing Pending
Logan County State’s Attorney Bradley Hauge said after the verdict that the prosecution proved Coker “acted out of anger” and that Sophia “did nothing wrong.” A sentencing date has not yet been set.