CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A Clarksville man who had been charged with child neglect in the death of a 2-month-old infant received a “nolle” dismissal, according to online court records.
On Jan. 9, 2021, 2-month-old Kamari Ridley was transported to Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville and then to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in Nashville. Approximately three days later, Kamari died from those injuries. The child’s mother, Whitney Page Brown, was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse and neglect, and first-degree murder in perpetration of a crime.
Later that year, on Sept. 11, 2021, Marquitis Ridley, Kamari’s father, was arrested on one count of aggravated child abuse and neglect.
On April 21, 2025, Marquitis received the received the “nolle” dismissal, meaning that prosecutors decided not to pursue the case against him. The 19th Judicial Court District Attorney’s Office told Clarksville Now that new evidence led to the decision.
The state is still pushing forward with the charges on Brown, Kamari’s mother. Brown’s trial date is still pending, and according to online court records, she recently made a “pro se” motion (a motion to represent herself). Judge Robert Bateman denied this motion.