While live-streaming on an Xbox headset, a Virginia Beach man yelled at his crying infant daughter moments before brutally abusing her, resulting in her death days later.

La’Shaun Quintae Holloway, 27, was sentenced to 50 years in prison -- 30 to be served -- for the second-degree murder and abuse of his two-month-old daughter, whose injuries were described as some of the worst seen in a child so young, as the Daily Mail reports.

The disturbing incident began on Dec. 20, 2019, when Holloway was simultaneously caring for his newborn daughter and playing video games online. During the live-stream broadcast through an Xbox headset, family members overheard Holloway yelling expletives directed at the crying baby.

Shortly after the loud tirade, the infant was found unconscious and unresponsive. She was rushed to the hospital by emergency responders. Despite life support measures, the baby died a few days later due to the severity of her injuries.

Doctors who examined the baby discovered extensive trauma across her small body. Medical testing revealed broken ribs in varying stages of healing, a fractured skull, a badly damaged clavicle, bruises on her chest, dark bruising around her eyes, and internal bleeding in the brain. The injuries were consistent with abusive head trauma -- a form of brutality often caused by violent shaking or impact.

Child’s condition revealed weeks of abuse

Authorities later confirmed that Holloway was the only individual caring for the baby at the time she sustained her fatal injuries. The evidence supported a pattern of ongoing physical abuse, as shown by older healing rib fractures along with fresher wounds.

Following a three-day trial, Holloway was convicted of second-degree murder and child abuse. The trial featured emotional testimony and detailed medical findings about the infant's condition that left several in the courtroom shaken.

On Monday, at sentencing, Judge Farashahi handed down a prison term longer than state sentencing guidelines recommended. While the maximum sentence under Virginia's sentencing guidelines was just under 24 years, the judge opted for a harsher penalty in light of the severity of the crime.

Sentence exceeds state guidelines

Holloway was ultimately sentenced to 50 years, with 20 suspended. This means he will serve 30 years behind bars. Prosecutors strongly urged a higher sentence, citing the baby’s painfully young age, the immense suffering involved, and the unrelenting brutality of the crime.

“In arguing for this high sentence, the Commonwealth referenced the significant injuries, age of the baby, and the brutality of the murder,” the prosecution stated.

Judge Farashahi concurred, agreeing that those elements compounded to create a level of cruelty demanding more than the usual guideline range. "Judge Farashahi agreed that those factors warranted a sentence above the guidelines," prosecutors said.

Defendant had long criminal background

This was not Holloway’s first criminal offense. Before the 2019 murder, he had already amassed a troubling criminal record, including a prior conviction for child abuse and neglect. He had also been charged with a DUI, hit-and-run, and carrying a concealed weapon, among other violations.

His criminal past also included eluding police, petit larceny, probation violations, and a juvenile adjudication for grand larceny. Prosecutors emphasized Holloway’s continued disregard for the law as a further reason for a prolonged prison term.

Despite the baby's death occurring in 2019, court proceedings only concluded recently. The baby’s name has not been made public to protect the privacy of surviving family members and out of respect for the victim.

Lessons to learn

1. Reporting signs of abuse may save a life. In this case, family members heard concerning audio during the game stream. If you ever witness or overhear signs of abuse, alerting authorities immediately can potentially prevent tragedy.

2. Patterns of violent behavior should not be ignored. Holloway’s prior record included child abuse and other criminal offenses. Early red flags must be taken seriously -- not only by the justice system but also by friends, family, and other caregivers.

3. Tragedy can strike anytime, despite precautions. While these lessons help improve awareness, it’s important to remember that abuse can be difficult to detect beforehand. Victims are never to blame. Society must work together to protect the most vulnerable, especially children.

Why this story matters

This story is essential to our community because it highlights the silent dangers of domestic abuse that go unnoticed behind closed doors. It reminds us of the vital role accountability plays in the justice system when protecting the innocent.

Cases like this reinforce the need for stronger prevention, community awareness, and intervention efforts.