To those who know her, Lillian Stone is a devoted mother who has always gone the extra mile for her two sons.

But after her youngest child, 3-year-old Melvin, died Saturday after being left strapped inside his car seat for more than three hours earlier last week, a different portrait has emerged.

Fulton County police say they have evidence contradicting Stone's contention that her son's death was a horrible accident, charging the 25-year-old South Fulton woman with murder. Specifics are likely to emerge at Stone's court hearing next Wednesday.

So what do the police know? And how does that reconcile with accounts from the people who know Stone best?  Visit myajc.com for that and more on this tragic case.

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Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC