REMEMBERING SERENITY
Serenity Richardson was just three years old when her life was taken on November 3, 2009, in Summerville, South Carolina.
Serenity was the beloved daughter of Ieshia Richardson, who had entrusted her care to a longtime friend and Serenity's godmother, Erica Mae Butts.
While Ieshia was preparing to relocate from Detroit, Michigan, Serenity stayed with Erica and another woman living in the home, Shanita Latrice Cunningham.
Her mother believed she was leaving her little girl with someone she knew and trusted.
Instead, Serenity endured repeated physical abuse over approximately two weeks. She was beaten with belts and other objects, suffering extensive injuries throughout her body.
On November 3, 2009, Serenity died from blunt force trauma.
She was only three years old.
Serenity's Story
Serenity lived with her mother, Ieshia Richardson, who was preparing to move from Detroit to South Carolina in the fall of 2009.
Ieshia had been friends with Erica Mae Butts since childhood. Their relationship was close enough that Erica had been present when Serenity was born and had become her godmother.
In late October 2009, Ieshia arranged for Serenity to stay temporarily with Erica at her home in the Lakes of Summerville subdivision.
Shanita Latrice Cunningham also lived in the residence.
Serenity was supposed to be safe with adults her mother trusted.
However, during her stay, the two women subjected her to repeated physical punishment.
According to prosecutors, Serenity was beaten with a belt and plastic clothes hangers.
The abuse continued over multiple days.
On November 3, 2009, Serenity was punished after having a toileting accident.
Erica later admitted to police that she had whipped Serenity repeatedly with a belt.
Investigators determined that Serenity suffered extensive injuries, including bruises and cuts across her chest, stomach, back, arms, legs, feet, and head.
She also had a large burn injury on her leg.
The medical examiner concluded that Serenity died from extensive blunt force trauma.
As her condition deteriorated, the adults did not obtain timely emergency medical treatment.
According to statements presented during the sentencing proceedings, attempts were made to revive Serenity by placing ice on her and exposing her to bleach.
Erica eventually contacted her mother, who called 911.
Emergency responders arrived at the home around 7 p.m.
They found Serenity unresponsive and not breathing.
She was transported to Summerville Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Serenity was only three years old.
Investigators quickly recognized the extensive injuries covering her body.
Police arrested Erica Mae Butts and charged her with homicide by child abuse.
Shanita Latrice Cunningham was also arrested and charged in connection with Serenity's death.
The investigation established that Serenity had been subjected to repeated abuse during the time she was entrusted to their care.
Her mother, Ieshia, returned from Detroit to face the devastating loss of her only child.
The woman she had trusted to protect Serenity was now accused of participating in the violence that ended her life.
JUSTICE FOR SERENITY
Erica Mae Butts and Shanita Latrice Cunningham were both charged with homicide by child abuse following Serenity's death.
Prosecutors presented evidence that the women had repeatedly beaten Serenity during the approximately two weeks she stayed in their home.
The medical findings documented widespread injuries consistent with prolonged physical abuse.
In August 2011, both women entered pleas in connection with the charges.
Shanita Cunningham pleaded guilty to homicide by child abuse.
Erica Butts entered an Alford plea to the same charge.
An Alford plea allows a defendant to maintain a claim of innocence while acknowledging that prosecutors possess sufficient evidence to obtain a conviction.
On November 3, 2011, exactly two years after Serenity's death, both women appeared in court for sentencing.
Serenity's mother addressed the judge and expressed her hope that justice would finally allow her daughter to rest in peace.
The prosecution described the severity and repeated nature of the violence Serenity had endured.
Circuit Court Judge Deadra Richardson sentenced both defendants to life imprisonment.
After hearing their sentences, both women collapsed in the courtroom and were assisted by court personnel.
Erica Mae Butts
Relationship to Serenity: Godmother
Conviction(s): Homicide by child abuse, Alford plea
Sentence: Life imprisonment
Shanita Latrice Cunningham
Relationship to Serenity: Godmother's housemate
Conviction(s): Homicide by child abuse, guilty plea
Sentence: Life imprisonment
The sentences brought the criminal proceedings to a conclusion, but they could never restore the life that had been taken.
Serenity's mother was left to grieve the loss of her daughter and the betrayal of someone she had trusted for many years.
FOREVER REMEMBERED
Serenity Richardson was only three years old.
She was a little girl who should have been surrounded by kindness, patience, and protection.
She should have been allowed to make the ordinary mistakes of childhood without fear.
A toileting accident should never have resulted in punishment, much less violence.
Serenity deserved the opportunity to grow up, attend school, make friends, and celebrate birthdays with her mother.
She should have experienced holidays, family gatherings, and all the small moments that make childhood special.
Instead, her life was taken by adults who had been entrusted with her safety.
Her mother, Ieshia, had known Erica Butts for many years.
She had believed that their friendship meant her daughter would be cared for with love.
That trust was tragically broken.
At the sentencing hearing, Ieshia spoke about her longing for justice and the hope that her daughter could finally rest peacefully.
Her grief was a reminder that behind the court proceedings was a mother who had lost her little girl.
Serenity deserves to be remembered for more than the terrible injuries she suffered.
She was a daughter.
She was a little girl whose life mattered.
She was a child who deserved to feel safe in the care of adults.
Although the public records reveal little about her favorite toys, her laughter, or the everyday moments she shared with her mother, those parts of her life were just as real and important as the circumstances of her death.
Serenity should have had a future.
She deserved love, security, and the freedom to grow up without fear.
Her story is a reminder that children depend entirely on the adults responsible for their care and that the trust placed in those adults carries an extraordinary responsibility.
Serenity Richardson will always deserve to be remembered with compassion, dignity, and love.
Abuse Angels remembers Serenity Richardson.
Remembered. Honored. Never Forgotten.
