Tragedy Strikes: The Fall of a Pageant Queen
The world is left in shock as Trinity Poague, former Miss Donalsonville and Miss National Peanut Festival contestant, was convicted on December 5, 2025, for the tragic death of 18-month-old Romeo Angles. Poague was found guilty of two counts of felony murder, one count of cruelty to children, and two counts of aggravated battery. In a heartbreaking court decision, she was sentenced to life in prison with an additional 20 years. Her arrest in early 2024 sent ripples through her community, revealing a shocking and disturbing reality behind the façade of pageant glitz and glamour.
A Child’s Life Cut Short
Prosecutors revealed the horrifying details of the crime, stating that in January 2024, Poague caused blunt-force trauma to the head and torso of little Romeo inside a dorm room at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus, Georgia. The injuries resulted in fatal brain and organ damage. Poague claimed that the child fell off the bed, but the evidence and witness accounts led to her conviction. The innocence of an 18-month-old was stolen in an instant, leaving a community grappling with anger, grief, and disbelief. The loss of Romeo Angles is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the responsibility adults hold to protect the most vulnerable among us.
The Dark Side of Glamour and Titles
Trinity Poague’s rise in the world of pageantry—from being crowned Miss Donalsonville in 2023 to competing in the Miss National Peanut Festival—made her a local celebrity. But fame could not shield her from the consequences of her actions. Following her arrest, she was stripped of her title, a public mark of disgrace that reflected the severity of her crime. Friends and pageant organizers expressed sorrow for the child’s family while struggling to reconcile the stark contrast between Poague’s public persona and the devastating reality of her actions. The heartbreak echoes far beyond the courtroom, touching communities who once celebrated her achievements but now mourn the innocent life that was lost.
The sentencing of Trinity Poague is a somber reminder that actions have irreversible consequences. Romeo Angles’ brief life was marked by love and potential, and his memory will live on as a call for justice, awareness, and protection for all children. While Poague faces life behind bars, the void left by this tragedy will forever linger in the hearts of those who knew and loved Romeo.