REMEMBERING GENESIS

Genesis Xiong was a precious little girl whose life ended before she could celebrate her second birthday. At just 17 months old, Genesis was beginning to explore the world around her. She should have been learning new words, playing with her siblings, discovering new things, and experiencing the happiness of early childhood. Genesis was a daughter, a little sister, and a niece. Her family remembered her as a beautiful, happy little girl whose life brought meaning to those around her. She deserved to grow up surrounded by affection, comfort, and the protection of adults who would always put her safety first. Instead, Genesis endured repeated physical abuse that ultimately caused her death. Her story would lead to criminal convictions against both the man who killed her and the mother who failed to protect her. But Genesis deserves to be remembered for more than the violence that ended her life. She was a little girl whose future held possibilities that should never have been taken away.

GENESIS'S STORY

In early 2015, Genesis was living with her mother, Lia Pearson, and her siblings in Minnesota. Lia had been involved in a relationship with Leb Mike Meak, a man she had known for several years. Meak lived in Maplewood with his parents and had two sons from another relationship. Beginning in January 2015, Lia occasionally left Genesis in Meak's care. During those visits, Genesis suffered repeated physical abuse. Evidence presented during the criminal proceedings established that Meak had struck, squeezed, and thrown the little girl. Medical examinations later revealed injuries in different stages of healing, indicating that the abuse had occurred over time. On February 12, 2015, emergency responders were called to Meak's home in Maplewood. Genesis was found unresponsive.She had suffered extensive injuries, including bruising throughout her body, a fractured rib, and serious internal trauma. Despite  efforts to save her, Genesis was pronounced dead. The medical examiner determined that she had died from multiple blunt force injuries. During the investigation, Meak admitted that he had become angry after Genesis knocked compact discs from a shelf. He acknowledged punching her, squeezing her chest, and throwing her with enough force that her head struck a wall. Investigators also discovered evidence that Genesis had suffered earlier injuries while in his care. The little girl who should have been protected by the adults around her had instead experienced repeated violence.

Genesis was only 17 months old when her life ended.

WARNING SIGNS & SYSTEM FAILURES

Genesis's death followed warning signs that adults around her had opportunities to recognize. During the investigation, prosecutors established that Meak's two sons had warned Lia Pearson that their father was physically abusing Genesis. In January 2015, Genesis had also suffered a visible head injury. Meak claimed that she had fallen onto exercise equipment. Although Lia became upset when she saw the injury, she did not take Genesis to a hospital. Instead, she searched online for advice, applied ice, and monitored her daughter's condition. Despite the injury and warnings from others, Lia continued allowing Genesis to remain in Meak's care. Medical testimony later established that Genesis had suffered both recent and older injuries, including extensive bruising and a previously fractured rib that had been injured again. The repeated injuries demonstrated that Genesis had experienced violence before the incident that ended her life. During Lia's trial, prosecutors argued that she had knowingly exposed her daughter to danger by continuing to leave her with Meak. The court ultimately found her guilty of second degree manslaughter and child endangerment. The available reporting does not establish that child protective services had received a report about Meak's abuse of Genesis and failed to investigate before her death. However, the criminal proceedings documented serious warning signs that were not adequately addressed by the adults responsible for her safety. Genesis was too young to explain what was happening or protect herself. She depended entirely on adults to recognize the danger and keep her safe.

JUSTICE FOR GENESIS

Following Genesis's death, Leb Mike Meak and Lia Pearson were prosecuted in Ramsey County, Minnesota.

Leb Mike Meak

Relationship to Genesis: Mother's Boyfriend

Conviction: Second degree murder without intent

Sentence: 25 years in prison

 

Leb Mike Meak pleaded guilty to second degree murder without intent in connection with Genesis's death.

During his plea hearing, he admitted that he had physically assaulted Genesis after becoming angry when she knocked items from a shelf.

He acknowledged striking her, squeezing her chest, and throwing her against a wall.

In June 2016, Meak was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

His guilty plea established his criminal responsibility for the fatal violence inflicted upon Genesis.

 

Lia Pearson

Relationship to Genesis: Mother

Convictions: Second degree manslaughter and child endangerment

Sentence: More than three years in prison

 

Lia Pearson was prosecuted for knowingly leaving Genesis in Meak's care despite evidence that he had previously abused her.

She waived her right to a jury trial, and her case was heard by Ramsey County District Judge Leonardo Castro.

In November 2016, the judge found Lia guilty of second degree manslaughter and child endangerment.

The court determined that she had been aware of warning signs indicating that Genesis was being harmed but continued placing her daughter in Meak's care.

In February 2017, Lia was sentenced to more than three years in prison.

Her conviction established criminal accountability for her failure to protect Genesis from the abuse that ultimately caused her death.

Although both adults received prison sentences, no punishment could restore Genesis's life or give her the childhood she deserved.

FOREVER REMEMBERED

Genesis Xiong should have celebrated her second birthday surrounded by love, laughter, and the people who cherished her. She should have grown up alongside her siblings, sharing childhood adventures, family memories, and the countless little moments that make growing up so special. Her aunt, Mala Vue, spoke of the future Genesis would never have the opportunity to experience. Her words reflected the heartbreak of a family left wondering who Genesis might have become. There should have been years of birthdays, friendships, school days, and milestones waiting ahead of her. Instead, her life ended before she could experience so much of the world.

But Genesis deserves to be remembered for more than the circumstances of her death. She was a daughter, a sister, a niece, and a little girl whose life had meaning from the moment it began. Her family carried memories of her happiness and the love they felt for her. Those memories remain an important part of who Genesis was.

Although her time in this world was tragically brief, her name and memory deserve to endure. Abuse Angels remembers Genesis Xiong. Remembered. Honored. Never Forgotten.