MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A 35-year-old Murfreesboro man accused of physically abusing a child with a belt in 2023 has been found guilty in a Rutherford County courtroom. Travosia Marquaz Miller, who was charged two years ago, appeared in court on October 31, 2025, where he entered a guilty plea.

Detective James Wilkinson with the Murfreesboro Police Department led the investigation into the child abuse allegations, which ultimately resulted in charges against Miller. Investigators determined that Miller reportedly struck his 5-year-old child with a belt approximately 15 times across the legs, leaving severe welts and bruising. The abuse allegedly occurred after the child defecated on the floor.

The original charges were filed on March 1, 2023, two months after the New Year’s Day incident. The charges followed the presentation of evidence by Detective Wilkinson to a Rutherford County Grand Jury, which resulted in an indictment for Aggravated Child Abuse of a Minor Under the Age of 8.

Miller appeared before Circuit Court Judge Barry Tidwell on October 31, 2025, and pleaded guilty to Attempted Aggravated Child Abuse of a Child Under 8. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for February 6, 2026.