CINCINNATI, Ohio – A Cincinnati father has been denied parole in the 2009 death of his 1-month-old son, Terrell Coggins. Tyler Coggins was convicted for causing the head trauma that led to his son’s death, and he is currently serving a 23-year sentence at Mansfield Correctional Institution. Although he has already served 15 years, Terrell’s mother, Nadia Alexander-Smith, feels that it is best for him to serve the remainder of his sentence.
Alexander-Smith expressed relief over the decision, stating, “I am relieved of the results. I am not happy. I am not excited. I am more so relieved.” She also mentioned that forgiveness is in her heart for Tyler Coggins, as the two have another child together. After the tragic loss of her son, Alexander-Smith wants to share a message of resilience with others who have experienced similar loss: “Keep going, keep fighting, and stay alive. Be there for yourself. Take care of yourself. That’s the most you can do.”
Looking ahead, it has been reported that Tyler Coggins will have another chance at parole in 2033. Despite the passage of time, Alexander-Smith still feels the impact of her son’s brief presence in her life, saying, “The effect that he had on me was so sudden. It was probably as powerful as it was because God knew that he was only going to be here for a month. I can still remember him holding my index finger.”
The decision to deny parole for Tyler Coggins serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of his son’s tragic death. It also highlights the long-lasting emotional toll on the family, and the complex process of healing from such a loss.