Cherokee County Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Brutal Murder of 1-Year-Old Jamie Palacio
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — In a heart-wrenching case that has shaken the Cherokee County community, Gregory Farrell Davis Jr., 27, of Waleska, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 60 years, for the brutal killing of 1-year-old James “Jamie” Marco Palacio. The sentence, handed down on Thursday, June 27, 2025, represents the maximum punishment under Georgia law.
The conviction comes more than four years after emergency responders were called to a Waleska home on April 28, 2021, where they found baby Jamie unresponsive. Davis, who had been left alone with Jamie while the child’s mother was at work, was the only adult present at the time.
A Pattern of Abuse
Jamie was rushed to the hospital by Cherokee Fire & Emergency Services. Doctors determined that the child had suffered severe and irreversible brain damage, consistent with abusive head trauma, often referred to as shaken baby syndrome. He was declared brain dead two days later.
An autopsy later revealed that the abuse was not isolated. In addition to the fatal injuries to his brain and neck, Jamie had healing fractures in his ribs and spine, and a previous skull fracture — clear signs of chronic, systematic abuse. The official cause of death was listed as “acute and healing traumatic injuries to the head, neck, and torso,” and the death was ruled a homicide.
Conviction and Sentencing
On May 1, 2025, a Cherokee County jury found Davis guilty on multiple counts, including:
- Malice Murder
- Felony Murder
- Four counts of First-Degree Cruelty to Children
- Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers
During sentencing, Chief Superior Court Judge David L. Cannon Jr. condemned Davis’ actions, stating bluntly: “You do not deserve to breathe free air.”
Chief Assistant District Attorney Katie Gropper, who prosecuted the case, emphasized the horror of Jamie’s final days in her statement to the court:
“The chronic and unrelenting abuse inflicted on this innocent, defenseless baby shocks the conscience and warrants the harshest penalty Georgia law allows. Jamie experienced unimaginable suffering in his short life.”
A Family’s Grief
At the sentencing, a family member gave an emotional victim impact statement:
“Jamie deserved to be loved. He deserved to be taken care of. He deserved to be in the care of someone who could do these things for him. Gregory Davis was entrusted to take care of Jamie and, instead, killed him. My family and I have no sympathy for this man and neither should the court.”
Accountability for the Child’s Mother
Prosecutors also brought charges against Jamie’s mother, Amber Lynn Ellis, 27, of Canton. Though she was not present at the time of Jamie’s fatal injuries, investigators concluded that her failure to protect him contributed to the prolonged abuse. On May 5, 2025, Ellis entered a non-negotiated guilty plea to two counts of Second-Degree Cruelty to Children.
Judge Cannon sentenced Ellis to 20 years, with the first 10 years to be served in prison and the remainder on probation.
Justice for Jamie
District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway offered words of resolve following the sentencing:
“This verdict and sentence demonstrate the commitment of our community to combat child abuse and recognize the value of Jamie’s life.”
A photo shared by prosecutors showed baby Jamie smiling at his first birthday party — a tragically brief moment of joy in a life cut short far too soon.
The case of James Marco Palacio has left a permanent scar on the hearts of many. As the community mourns and remembers the joyful baby boy with bright eyes and a curious spirit, his memory becomes a symbol of the urgent need to protect society’s most vulnerable.