On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis faced criticism from a Superior Court judge who recused herself from a child cruelty case involving former Roswell preschool workers.
Judge Rachelle Carnesale announced her voluntary recusal on July 21, citing concerns that Willis’ office was attempting to prevent parents of the alleged victims from commenting on pretrial diversion agreements for two defendants.
The case involves former employees of Parker-Chase preschool in Roswell, charged with felony child cruelty and misdemeanor battery for allegedly abusing toddlers in 2022. The defendants, Soriana Briceno and Zeina Alostwani, are accused of striking children with their hands and books, pushing and pulling them, and other abusive acts. Alostwani faces an additional accusation of shoving a child’s face into a trash can. A third defendant, Lulwa Almouslli, received a pretrial diversion agreement earlier this year.
Willis’ office sought Carnesale’s recusal, arguing in a July 18 motion that the judge’s handling of the case had shifted due to public criticism from the victims’ parents. The motion claimed Carnesale’s approach to the remaining defendants raised concerns about impartiality, as she had approved a diversion agreement for Almouslli under different circumstances.
Carnesale denied the recusal request before stepping down, stating that Willis wanted her to approve the agreements without input from the parents, a departure from typical court practices where such deals are presented openly.
Parents of the alleged victims, including Lynsey and Ryan Atkinson, whose son was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, expressed frustration with Willis’ office. They felt prosecutors were siding with the defendants. Other parents, including Ryan Randall, addressed the court in June, urging the case to proceed to a jury trial and highlighting a lack of communication from the DA’s office.
Willis’ office defended its actions, stating it had exceeded required communication with the parents and was making difficult but necessary decisions.
Jason Sheffield, Alostwani’s attorney, argued the case was overcharged by a previous prosecutor, noting that video evidence showed overwhelmed teachers doing their best.
The recusal leaves the case’s next steps uncertain, as parents continue to seek a trial to address the alleged abuse at the preschool.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
