Personal Journeys: The accused

News

A teenage baby sitter’s life takes a surprising turn after a toddler in his care dies a mysterious death.

It’s been more than 10 years since Christopher Routh was acquitted on murder and child molestation charges. Routh, now 26, is married and pursuing a career path few would have expected.

Routh was a 14-year-old high school freshman when he was accused of molestation and murder of a 2-year-old girl he was babysitting. Routh spent a year in the Gwinnett Youth Detention Center before he was released on bond.

Charlie and Sissy Routh, pictured here 10 years ago with son Christopher, never doubted their son’s innocence. But it came with a price: Charlie, a photographer who specializes in family portraits, said his business was affected by the accusations against his son.

Christopher Routh works part time and attends college in Jackson, Miss., where he lives with his wife, Emily. He’s also a volunteer coach for a youth football team and says he and his spouse hope to start a family of their own soon.

Today, the Rouths say they have not spoken to Kim Woodruff since her toddler’s death. Before that day, she worked at Sissy’s clothing boutique and was a friend of the family.

When Christopher Routh and his wife, Emily, were dating, she discovered her then-boyfriend’s past from a Google search but kept it to herself until he was ready to tell her. “By then, I knew him pretty well,” she said. “I never questioned his innocence.”

Playing football at his mother’s alma mater was a long-held dream for Routh. Despite missing two seasons, Routh got his wish and earned a college football scholarship.

Christopher Routh (left); his wife, Emily; father, Charlie; sister, Emily; and mother, Sissy.

1/8

It’s been more than 10 years since Christopher Routh was acquitted on murder and child molestation charges. Routh, now 26, is married and pursuing a career path few would have expected.

Today's Gallery Headlines

PHOTOS: 2025 AJC Photos of the Year

PHOTOS: Coca-Cola ads over time

PHOTOS: Philanthropists leave mark on Atlanta

PHOTOS: Thomas County Central pummels Gainesville for 5A state title

More Galleries

PHOTOS: Capitol lights up for Christmas holidays

PHOTOS: Fans attend 2026 World Cup draw party in Atlanta

'No body' homicide cases in Georgia

Alerts