BALTIMORE — A 16-year-old's death back in January has been ruled a homicide.
Now charging documents explain why the teen's step-father is charged with his murder.
On January 27 Johnnie Teague reported being awakened by a loud bang.
He claims to have found his step-son Jibreal Payne at the bottom of the stairs of their home on N. Clinton Street.
Despite appearing dizzy and complaining of jaw pain, Teague recalled Jibreal saying he was okay.
A short time later Teague's daughter alerted him that Jibreal passed out.
Paramedics were called to take Jibreal to the hospital where he passed away.
Doctors there discovered bleeding on Jibreal's heart and burn marks to his wrists.
When questioned, Teague told police Jibreal is schizophrenic and burned himself while taking a shower a few days prior.
This contradicted a witness account accusing Teague of burning and violently beating Jibreal before he was hospitalized.
On August 23 the Medical Examiner's Office officially ruled the case a homicide.
In addition to severe burning, an autopsy showed Jibreal suffered brain hemorrhaging and fractured ribs, along with other internal injuries.
Police reached out to Jibreal's mother who confirmed Teague had full custody.
Four days later detectives arrested Teague, charging him with first degree murder.
