PD: Suspect beat, bit 3-year-old girl in Phoenix

PHOENIX - Phoenix police say a 3-year-old girl was not only beaten by her mother's boyfriend over the weekend , he also bit her multiple times.

In court documents released Monday, detectives allege 18-year-old Martwane Mackey admitted to beating Ty'Shea Austin until she lost consciousness.

Investigators claim Mackey then bit the girl to "bring her back to responsiveness."

"What would a 3-year-old do that would beat them unconscious and bite them," asked Ty'Shea's grandmother, Rhonda Brown.

Police say Mackey dialed 911 around 2 a.m. Saturday but by the time paramedics arrived, Ty'Shea was already dead.

"We'll never get to see Ty'Shea get to go to kindergarten," said Brown. "We'll never get to see her ride her bicycle for the first time."

Officers say they found Ty'Shea's 1-year-old sister at her apartment also suffering from injuries consistent with child abuse.

Her sister Zariah Austin remains hospitalized in stable condition. Her injuries are not considered life threatening.

"There's no reason for either one to be hit or hurt or tortured," said Brown. "That's exactly what (Ty'Shea) was, tortured."

Investigators say the girls' mother was asleep at the time and unaware of the abuse.

Mackey is charged with first degree murder and two counts of child abuse.

"I think death is not good enough for him," said Brown. "He needs to be beaten like he beat (Ty'Shea). He needs to fight for his last breath like she fought for hers."

Ty'Shea's family has set up an account to help with funeral costs. Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo bank branch to the Ty'Shea and Zariah Memorial Fund or to account number 9373518860.