Georgia doctor who posted videos of decapitated baby found liable after parents sued in civil court

A Georgia doctor was found liable for damages after a couple sued him of posting pictures their decapitated newborn baby on social media.

Dr. Jackson Gates and his company Medical Diagnostic Choices (MDC) were sued in civil court by Jessica Ross and Treveon Isaiah Taylor in September of last year.

The couple had hired Dr. Gates to perform an independent autopsy on their baby, whom they named Isaiah. The child died during childbirth in July 2023 and Gates later posted “graphic and gruesome” videos of the autopsy on social media without the parents' knowledge.

The plaintiffs later learned of the videos and felt “shock, anger, humiliation and outrage.”

According to court documents, Dr. Gates and the MDC did not respond to the couple's complaint and must pay damages as they were found liable for intentional infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy and fraud.

The court will determine the amount of damages owed to the parents.

"They are happy with that outcome, however, there is still no real joy or celebration," the couple's attorney told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "They took advantage. Not just the hospital, but also Dr. Gates...and it's been difficult for them."

The Clayton County Medical Examiner's Office ruled that baby Isaias' death was a homicide caused by “the actions of another person,” specifically a fracture of the cervical vertebrae of the spine.

The couple had also filed a separate lawsuit against Southern Regional Medical Center, where the woman gave birth. In August, the medical center denied “allegations of irregularities,” arguing that “this unfortunate infant death occurred in utero prior to delivery and decapitation.”