The custodial dad is identified as MICHAEL WASH.
http://www.wtvm.com/story/32360641/mother-of-missing-child-i-believe-they-killed-my-baby
Mother of missing child: 'I believe they killed my baby'
Published:Saturday, July 2nd 2016, 8:28 am EDT
Updated:Saturday, July 2nd 2016, 11:49 am EDT
By Julian Johnson
EAST POINT, GA (CBS46) -
A mother is demanding answers now that the search for her missing 7-year-old daughter has turned into a homicide investigation.
East Point police say a father and his girlfriend are in custody in connection to a homicide investigation that was launched after a 7-year-old girl was reported missing.
27-year-old Michael Wash has been charged with aggravated assault, cruelty to children, giving false statements and concealing the death of another.
In addition, 30-year-old Lasherae Davis was charged with party to aggravated assault, party to cruelty to children, giving false statements and concealing the death of another.
Kamaire Wash's father, Michael Deon Wash, and his girlfriend, Lasherae Davis, remain in custody facing several charges.
However, none of the charges include murder.
CBS46 found Kamaire's mother in Illinois and she told us without a doubt, she believes Kamaire's father and his girlfriend were involved in her death.
"Yeah, I believe they killed my baby. I do, I sure do," said Kashira Pettigrew.
As a mother, they're words she likely never thought she'd be saying, but now she's faced with the fact her daughter is missing and presumed dead.
"They found the body the day before. They didn't even know who it was, they just so happened to be saying the baby was missing yesterday," said Pettigrew.
East Point police are still awaiting confirmation a body found in Lake Allatoona on Wednesday afternoon is in fact Kamaire.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an autopsy.
CBS46 has confirmed police believe Wash and Davis drove Kamaire's body up to the lake and dumped it.
"Why would they do a baby like that? She was only 7, had a beautiful heart, beautiful spirit," said Pettigrew. "It's not adding up to me. I want answers for my baby. She deserves justice.
We're told Kamaire had only been living with her father for about a year.
Wash is charged with aggravated assault, cruelty to children 1st degree (2 counts), cruelty to children 3rd degree, giving false statements, and concealing the death of another.
Davis is charged with party to the crime aggravated assault, party to the crime – cruelty to children 1st degree (2 counts), party to the crime – cruelty to children 3rd degree, giving false statements, and concealing the death of another.
They both both waived their first appearance Saturday. Their next appearance is July 15 at 9:30 a.m. No bond was granted.
Showing posts with label Florida. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Florida. Show all posts
Monday, July 11, 2016
Protective mom: custodial dad, girlfriend killed 7-year-old daughter (East Point, Georgia)
The custodial dad is identified as MICHAEL WASH.
http://www.wtvm.com/story/32360641/mother-of-missing-child-i-believe-they-killed-my-baby
Mother of missing child: 'I believe they killed my baby'
Published:Saturday, July 2nd 2016, 8:28 am EDT
Updated:Saturday, July 2nd 2016, 11:49 am EDT
By Julian Johnson EAST POINT, GA (CBS46) - A mother is demanding answers now that the search for her missing 7-year-old daughter has turned into a homicide investigation.
East Point police say a father and his girlfriend are in custody in connection to a homicide investigation that was launched after a 7-year-old girl was reported missing.
27-year-old Michael Wash has been charged with aggravated assault, cruelty to children, giving false statements and concealing the death of another.
In addition, 30-year-old Lasherae Davis was charged with party to aggravated assault, party to cruelty to children, giving false statements and concealing the death of another.
Kamaire Wash's father, Michael Deon Wash, and his girlfriend, Lasherae Davis, remain in custody facing several charges.
However, none of the charges include murder.
CBS46 found Kamaire's mother in Illinois and she told us without a doubt, she believes Kamaire's father and his girlfriend were involved in her death.
"Yeah, I believe they killed my baby. I do, I sure do," said Kashira Pettigrew.
As a mother, they're words she likely never thought she'd be saying, but now she's faced with the fact her daughter is missing and presumed dead.
"They found the body the day before. They didn't even know who it was, they just so happened to be saying the baby was missing yesterday," said Pettigrew.
East Point police are still awaiting confirmation a body found in Lake Allatoona on Wednesday afternoon is in fact Kamaire. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an autopsy.
CBS46 has confirmed police believe Wash and Davis drove Kamaire's body up to the lake and dumped it.
"Why would they do a baby like that? She was only 7, had a beautiful heart, beautiful spirit," said Pettigrew. "It's not adding up to me. I want answers for my baby. She deserves justice.
We're told Kamaire had only been living with her father for about a year.
Wash is charged with aggravated assault, cruelty to children 1st degree (2 counts), cruelty to children 3rd degree, giving false statements, and concealing the death of another.
Davis is charged with party to the crime aggravated assault, party to the crime – cruelty to children 1st degree (2 counts), party to the crime – cruelty to children 3rd degree, giving false statements, and concealing the death of another.
They both both waived their first appearance Saturday. Their next appearance is July 15 at 9:30 a.m. No bond was granted.
http://www.wtvm.com/story/32360641/mother-of-missing-child-i-believe-they-killed-my-baby
Mother of missing child: 'I believe they killed my baby'
Published:Saturday, July 2nd 2016, 8:28 am EDT
Updated:Saturday, July 2nd 2016, 11:49 am EDT
By Julian Johnson EAST POINT, GA (CBS46) - A mother is demanding answers now that the search for her missing 7-year-old daughter has turned into a homicide investigation.
East Point police say a father and his girlfriend are in custody in connection to a homicide investigation that was launched after a 7-year-old girl was reported missing.
27-year-old Michael Wash has been charged with aggravated assault, cruelty to children, giving false statements and concealing the death of another.
In addition, 30-year-old Lasherae Davis was charged with party to aggravated assault, party to cruelty to children, giving false statements and concealing the death of another.
Kamaire Wash's father, Michael Deon Wash, and his girlfriend, Lasherae Davis, remain in custody facing several charges.
However, none of the charges include murder.
CBS46 found Kamaire's mother in Illinois and she told us without a doubt, she believes Kamaire's father and his girlfriend were involved in her death.
"Yeah, I believe they killed my baby. I do, I sure do," said Kashira Pettigrew.
As a mother, they're words she likely never thought she'd be saying, but now she's faced with the fact her daughter is missing and presumed dead.
"They found the body the day before. They didn't even know who it was, they just so happened to be saying the baby was missing yesterday," said Pettigrew.
East Point police are still awaiting confirmation a body found in Lake Allatoona on Wednesday afternoon is in fact Kamaire. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an autopsy.
CBS46 has confirmed police believe Wash and Davis drove Kamaire's body up to the lake and dumped it.
"Why would they do a baby like that? She was only 7, had a beautiful heart, beautiful spirit," said Pettigrew. "It's not adding up to me. I want answers for my baby. She deserves justice.
We're told Kamaire had only been living with her father for about a year.
Wash is charged with aggravated assault, cruelty to children 1st degree (2 counts), cruelty to children 3rd degree, giving false statements, and concealing the death of another.
Davis is charged with party to the crime aggravated assault, party to the crime – cruelty to children 1st degree (2 counts), party to the crime – cruelty to children 3rd degree, giving false statements, and concealing the death of another.
They both both waived their first appearance Saturday. Their next appearance is July 15 at 9:30 a.m. No bond was granted.
Protective mom: custodial dad, girlfriend killed 7-year-old daughter (East Point, Georgia)
The custodial dad is identified as MICHAEL WASH.
http://www.wtvm.com/story/32360641/mother-of-missing-child-i-believe-they-killed-my-baby
Mother of missing child: 'I believe they killed my baby'
Published:Saturday, July 2nd 2016, 8:28 am EDT
Updated:Saturday, July 2nd 2016, 11:49 am EDT
By Julian Johnson EAST POINT, GA (CBS46) - A mother is demanding answers now that the search for her missing 7-year-old daughter has turned into a homicide investigation.
East Point police say a father and his girlfriend are in custody in connection to a homicide investigation that was launched after a 7-year-old girl was reported missing.
27-year-old Michael Wash has been charged with aggravated assault, cruelty to children, giving false statements and concealing the death of another.
In addition, 30-year-old Lasherae Davis was charged with party to aggravated assault, party to cruelty to children, giving false statements and concealing the death of another.
Kamaire Wash's father, Michael Deon Wash, and his girlfriend, Lasherae Davis, remain in custody facing several charges.
However, none of the charges include murder.
CBS46 found Kamaire's mother in Illinois and she told us without a doubt, she believes Kamaire's father and his girlfriend were involved in her death.
"Yeah, I believe they killed my baby. I do, I sure do," said Kashira Pettigrew.
As a mother, they're words she likely never thought she'd be saying, but now she's faced with the fact her daughter is missing and presumed dead.
"They found the body the day before. They didn't even know who it was, they just so happened to be saying the baby was missing yesterday," said Pettigrew.
East Point police are still awaiting confirmation a body found in Lake Allatoona on Wednesday afternoon is in fact Kamaire. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an autopsy.
CBS46 has confirmed police believe Wash and Davis drove Kamaire's body up to the lake and dumped it.
"Why would they do a baby like that? She was only 7, had a beautiful heart, beautiful spirit," said Pettigrew. "It's not adding up to me. I want answers for my baby. She deserves justice.
We're told Kamaire had only been living with her father for about a year.
Wash is charged with aggravated assault, cruelty to children 1st degree (2 counts), cruelty to children 3rd degree, giving false statements, and concealing the death of another.
Davis is charged with party to the crime aggravated assault, party to the crime – cruelty to children 1st degree (2 counts), party to the crime – cruelty to children 3rd degree, giving false statements, and concealing the death of another.
They both both waived their first appearance Saturday. Their next appearance is July 15 at 9:30 a.m. No bond was granted.
http://www.wtvm.com/story/32360641/mother-of-missing-child-i-believe-they-killed-my-baby
Mother of missing child: 'I believe they killed my baby'
Published:Saturday, July 2nd 2016, 8:28 am EDT
Updated:Saturday, July 2nd 2016, 11:49 am EDT
By Julian Johnson EAST POINT, GA (CBS46) - A mother is demanding answers now that the search for her missing 7-year-old daughter has turned into a homicide investigation.
East Point police say a father and his girlfriend are in custody in connection to a homicide investigation that was launched after a 7-year-old girl was reported missing.
27-year-old Michael Wash has been charged with aggravated assault, cruelty to children, giving false statements and concealing the death of another.
In addition, 30-year-old Lasherae Davis was charged with party to aggravated assault, party to cruelty to children, giving false statements and concealing the death of another.
Kamaire Wash's father, Michael Deon Wash, and his girlfriend, Lasherae Davis, remain in custody facing several charges.
However, none of the charges include murder.
CBS46 found Kamaire's mother in Illinois and she told us without a doubt, she believes Kamaire's father and his girlfriend were involved in her death.
"Yeah, I believe they killed my baby. I do, I sure do," said Kashira Pettigrew.
As a mother, they're words she likely never thought she'd be saying, but now she's faced with the fact her daughter is missing and presumed dead.
"They found the body the day before. They didn't even know who it was, they just so happened to be saying the baby was missing yesterday," said Pettigrew.
East Point police are still awaiting confirmation a body found in Lake Allatoona on Wednesday afternoon is in fact Kamaire. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is conducting an autopsy.
CBS46 has confirmed police believe Wash and Davis drove Kamaire's body up to the lake and dumped it.
"Why would they do a baby like that? She was only 7, had a beautiful heart, beautiful spirit," said Pettigrew. "It's not adding up to me. I want answers for my baby. She deserves justice.
We're told Kamaire had only been living with her father for about a year.
Wash is charged with aggravated assault, cruelty to children 1st degree (2 counts), cruelty to children 3rd degree, giving false statements, and concealing the death of another.
Davis is charged with party to the crime aggravated assault, party to the crime – cruelty to children 1st degree (2 counts), party to the crime – cruelty to children 3rd degree, giving false statements, and concealing the death of another.
They both both waived their first appearance Saturday. Their next appearance is July 15 at 9:30 a.m. No bond was granted.
Dad pleads guilty to aggravated manslaughter in death of 6-year-old son; what happened to mom? (Sarasota, Florida)
Notice there is mention of dad's girlfriend, but not the mother. What happened to mom? Did dad JAMES "RICK" DEARMAN have full custody? Joint custody? What? As usual, there is no explanation.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/father-accused-squishing-child-death-pleads-quilty/nrqzz/
Father pleads guilty to killing son by 'squishing'
Published: Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 1:42 p.m. Last Modified: Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 2:30 p.m.
SARASOTA COUNTY - An Englewood man pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in the death of his 6-year-old son.
During a plea hearing on Thursday, James “Rick” Dearman pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter of a child under the age of 18.
His son Jimmy died Christmas Eve 2015 after authorities say Dearman and his girlfriend, Ashley Cole, sat on him.
That night, Jimmy and his sister were heard making noises in their bedroom, Assistant State Attorney Art Jackman said. They were then told to put their noses against the wall as a form of punishment.
The boy did not, instead watching Cole and Dearman play video games. After this, Cole brought the boy to the couch where he sat on his side, his face against the rear cushions, Jackman said. Cole sat on his back, and Dearman sat on his shoulder.
“They had previously used this as a form of punishment,” Jackman said. “They called it 'squishing.'”
Despite the boy's protests of needing to use the bathroom and being unable to breathe, the two remained on the boy.
After approximately five minutes, he stopped moving. After Cole and Dearman left the room to smoke in the garage, they came back about 10 minutes later and called police after finding the boy unresponsive.
At the time, Jimmy weighed about 45 pounds. Dearman weighed about 279 pounds and Cole about 170 pounds. According to the medical examiner's report, Jimmy's death was ruled a homicide by asphyxiation.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/father-accused-squishing-child-death-pleads-quilty/nrqzz/
Father pleads guilty to killing son by 'squishing'
Published: Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 1:42 p.m. Last Modified: Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 2:30 p.m.
SARASOTA COUNTY - An Englewood man pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in the death of his 6-year-old son.
During a plea hearing on Thursday, James “Rick” Dearman pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter of a child under the age of 18.
His son Jimmy died Christmas Eve 2015 after authorities say Dearman and his girlfriend, Ashley Cole, sat on him.
That night, Jimmy and his sister were heard making noises in their bedroom, Assistant State Attorney Art Jackman said. They were then told to put their noses against the wall as a form of punishment.
The boy did not, instead watching Cole and Dearman play video games. After this, Cole brought the boy to the couch where he sat on his side, his face against the rear cushions, Jackman said. Cole sat on his back, and Dearman sat on his shoulder.
“They had previously used this as a form of punishment,” Jackman said. “They called it 'squishing.'”
Despite the boy's protests of needing to use the bathroom and being unable to breathe, the two remained on the boy.
After approximately five minutes, he stopped moving. After Cole and Dearman left the room to smoke in the garage, they came back about 10 minutes later and called police after finding the boy unresponsive.
At the time, Jimmy weighed about 45 pounds. Dearman weighed about 279 pounds and Cole about 170 pounds. According to the medical examiner's report, Jimmy's death was ruled a homicide by asphyxiation.
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Abusive dad unhappy about child custody defies restraining order, murders three (Jacksonville, Florida)
So if dad MURRAY LANCASTER violated a restraining order and had been arrested for battery and resisting arrest, then WHY was he able to run around and murder three different people? Why wasn't his @$$ parked in jail where it belonged? It's because Florida is notoriously indifferent to domestic violence. No surprise that this batterer/killer also tried to use a custody battle to further extend his abuse/control--that's what abusers and killers do.
No doubt there are some sick fathers rights people out there arguing that this poor little spree killer was "driven" to it. But then they have never met a violent criminal they didn't just love to pieces.
http://www.newsweek.com/florida-shooting-green-cove-springs-455233
Florida Shooting Suspect Dead After Allegedly Killing Ex-Wife, Ex-Girlfriend and Her Father By Lucy Westcott On 5/3/16 at 3:30 PM
Three people were shot dead in Green Cove Springs, northern Florida on Tuesday. A manhunt for the suspect, identified as Murray Lancaster, is underway. A man in northern Florida on Tuesday allegedly abducted his ex-girlfriend from Keeping It Classy beauty salon and then later shot to death the woman and her father as well as his ex-wife before turning the gun on himself.
During a manhunt for the suspect, Murray Lancaster, 41, SWAT teams surrounded a property in Green Cove Springs, about 33 miles south of Jacksonville. Lancaster’s body was found by officials inside a camper trailer. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Lancaster allegedly abducted his ex-girlfriend, Valorie Short, on Tuesday morning at around 9:45 a.m. after holding her and her co-workers at gunpoint. He then drove her to an area near the Magnolia Point Golf & Country Club, where Short’s father, Welland “Buddy” Short, was encouraged to meet them. Lancaster shot and killed them both, Florida news outlet WFAA 8 reports, before driving to the Rosemary Hill Road Landfill, the workplace of his ex-wife, Erica Green, where he allegedly shot and killed her.
According to Jacksonville news outlet News4Jax, one of the victims was pregnant. Valorie Short is believed to have two young sons and Green also has two young children. Green was engaged to another man, according to local news.
Lancaster is the nephew of Scott Lancaster, a former sheriff of Clay County, and is also related to Larry Lancaster, a former Clay County commissioner. Officials did not have contact with Lancaster before he killed himself, though Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler said he went to a local school to try to say goodbye to his children. A teacher at the school told police Lancaster was not able to see them.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Beseler said Short had a restraining order against Lancaster. The suspect, who was last week fired from the Georgia-Pacific Mill in nearby Palatka, recently violated the court order filed against him by Short and was arrested for her battery and for resisting arrest.
The motive in the shooting is still unknown, but Beseler said it involves a “domestic-type situation where divorces and child custody” were involved.
“The incident is over and everyone is safe at this point,” said Beseler. “This is a terrible and tragic event for our community.”
Also on Tuesday, a separate, unrelated shooting occurred in nearby Palatka after a man allegedly shot his girlfriend in the parking lot of the local health department. The woman, whose name has not been released, was killed and the shooter was at-large.
No doubt there are some sick fathers rights people out there arguing that this poor little spree killer was "driven" to it. But then they have never met a violent criminal they didn't just love to pieces.
http://www.newsweek.com/florida-shooting-green-cove-springs-455233
Florida Shooting Suspect Dead After Allegedly Killing Ex-Wife, Ex-Girlfriend and Her Father By Lucy Westcott On 5/3/16 at 3:30 PM
Three people were shot dead in Green Cove Springs, northern Florida on Tuesday. A manhunt for the suspect, identified as Murray Lancaster, is underway. A man in northern Florida on Tuesday allegedly abducted his ex-girlfriend from Keeping It Classy beauty salon and then later shot to death the woman and her father as well as his ex-wife before turning the gun on himself.
During a manhunt for the suspect, Murray Lancaster, 41, SWAT teams surrounded a property in Green Cove Springs, about 33 miles south of Jacksonville. Lancaster’s body was found by officials inside a camper trailer. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Lancaster allegedly abducted his ex-girlfriend, Valorie Short, on Tuesday morning at around 9:45 a.m. after holding her and her co-workers at gunpoint. He then drove her to an area near the Magnolia Point Golf & Country Club, where Short’s father, Welland “Buddy” Short, was encouraged to meet them. Lancaster shot and killed them both, Florida news outlet WFAA 8 reports, before driving to the Rosemary Hill Road Landfill, the workplace of his ex-wife, Erica Green, where he allegedly shot and killed her.
According to Jacksonville news outlet News4Jax, one of the victims was pregnant. Valorie Short is believed to have two young sons and Green also has two young children. Green was engaged to another man, according to local news.
Lancaster is the nephew of Scott Lancaster, a former sheriff of Clay County, and is also related to Larry Lancaster, a former Clay County commissioner. Officials did not have contact with Lancaster before he killed himself, though Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler said he went to a local school to try to say goodbye to his children. A teacher at the school told police Lancaster was not able to see them.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Beseler said Short had a restraining order against Lancaster. The suspect, who was last week fired from the Georgia-Pacific Mill in nearby Palatka, recently violated the court order filed against him by Short and was arrested for her battery and for resisting arrest.
The motive in the shooting is still unknown, but Beseler said it involves a “domestic-type situation where divorces and child custody” were involved.
“The incident is over and everyone is safe at this point,” said Beseler. “This is a terrible and tragic event for our community.”
Also on Tuesday, a separate, unrelated shooting occurred in nearby Palatka after a man allegedly shot his girlfriend in the parking lot of the local health department. The woman, whose name has not been released, was killed and the shooter was at-large.
Friday, April 8, 2016
Custodial dad, step, get life in prison for beating death of 4-year-old daughter (Jacksonville, Florida)
The custodial dad is identified as JOHN ROSS NORFLEET. We've posted on this case before.
http://www.nbc-2.com/story/31673952/dad-stepmom-get-lengthy-prison-sentences-in-childs-death
Dad, stepmom get lengthy prison sentences in child's death
Posted: Apr 08, 2016 4:58 AM EDT Updated: Apr 08, 2016 4:58 AM EDT
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - A Jacksonville father and stepmother have received lengthy prison sentences in the beating death of his 4-year-old daughter.
Media outlets report a judge sentenced 32-year-old John Ross Norfleet on Thursday to life in prison plus 30 years for the January 2015 death of Jada Norfleet.
The girl's stepmother, 34-year-old Shavonn Chanyell Norfleet, received 60 years in prison. Neither will be eligible for parole.
Prosecutors say John and Shavonn Norfleet disciplined the child by hitting her with a piece of lumber.
John Norfleet, who was a former high school teacher, was convicted last month on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter of a small child and aggravated child abuse.
Shavonn Norfleet was convicted of aggravated manslaughter of a child and aggravated child abuse.
http://www.nbc-2.com/story/31673952/dad-stepmom-get-lengthy-prison-sentences-in-childs-death
Dad, stepmom get lengthy prison sentences in child's death
Posted: Apr 08, 2016 4:58 AM EDT Updated: Apr 08, 2016 4:58 AM EDT
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - A Jacksonville father and stepmother have received lengthy prison sentences in the beating death of his 4-year-old daughter.
Media outlets report a judge sentenced 32-year-old John Ross Norfleet on Thursday to life in prison plus 30 years for the January 2015 death of Jada Norfleet.
The girl's stepmother, 34-year-old Shavonn Chanyell Norfleet, received 60 years in prison. Neither will be eligible for parole.
Prosecutors say John and Shavonn Norfleet disciplined the child by hitting her with a piece of lumber.
John Norfleet, who was a former high school teacher, was convicted last month on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter of a small child and aggravated child abuse.
Shavonn Norfleet was convicted of aggravated manslaughter of a child and aggravated child abuse.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Custodial dad convicted of 1st-degree murder in beating death of 4-year-old daughter (Jacksonville, Florida)
We have an axiom here at Dastardly Dads that goes something like this: If the media ever manages to report the circumstances behind a custody case, the details will be "forgotten" by the time it goes to trial.
What this article fails to mention is that dad JOHN ROSS NORFLEET was awarded full custody three years before he killed his daughter, and was allowed to do a moveway from the state of Michigan, effectively cutting the mother out of her daughter's life.
But don't hold your breath waiting for the judge and assorted court lackies to be held responsible.
See previous posts here. Also see the Killer Dads and Custody List for Florida.
http://www.wesh.com/news/florida-father-convicted-in-beating-death-of-daughter/38317100
Florida father convicted in beating death of daughter
Published 8:55 AM EST Mar 03, 2016
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —A Jacksonville jury needed just 20 minutes to convict a former high school teacher in the death of his 4-year-old daughter.
The verdict handed down Wednesday means 32-year-old John Ross Norfleet will likely spend the rest of his life in prison for the January 2015 death of Jada Norfleet.
Prosecutors say Norfleet and the girl's step-mother, 34-year-old Shavonn Chanyell Norfleet, disciplined the child by hitting her with a piece of lumber.
John Norfleet was convicted on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter of a small child and aggravated child abuse.
The Florida Times-Union reports Shayvonn Norfleet is scheduled for trial Thursday on the same charges.
Norfleet lost his teaching job after his arrest.
What this article fails to mention is that dad JOHN ROSS NORFLEET was awarded full custody three years before he killed his daughter, and was allowed to do a moveway from the state of Michigan, effectively cutting the mother out of her daughter's life.
But don't hold your breath waiting for the judge and assorted court lackies to be held responsible.
See previous posts here. Also see the Killer Dads and Custody List for Florida.
http://www.wesh.com/news/florida-father-convicted-in-beating-death-of-daughter/38317100
Florida father convicted in beating death of daughter
Published 8:55 AM EST Mar 03, 2016
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —A Jacksonville jury needed just 20 minutes to convict a former high school teacher in the death of his 4-year-old daughter.
The verdict handed down Wednesday means 32-year-old John Ross Norfleet will likely spend the rest of his life in prison for the January 2015 death of Jada Norfleet.
Prosecutors say Norfleet and the girl's step-mother, 34-year-old Shavonn Chanyell Norfleet, disciplined the child by hitting her with a piece of lumber.
John Norfleet was convicted on charges of first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter of a small child and aggravated child abuse.
The Florida Times-Union reports Shayvonn Norfleet is scheduled for trial Thursday on the same charges.
Norfleet lost his teaching job after his arrest.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Girlfriend sentenced in beating death of 3-year-old boy; father had been awarded out-of-state visitation (Tampa, Florida)
Father JUSTIN GARWACKI had fought for out of state visitation over the objections of the protective mother. See our previous posts.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Florida.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/hillsborough-woman-found-guilty-of-lesser-charges-in-2010-death-of-toddler/2265057
Hillsborough woman escapes life sentence in 2010 death of toddler, is convicted of lesser offenses
By Sara DiNatale, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 11, 2016 2:42pm
Kara O'Connell, 26, is escorted from the courtroom during a break in her trial last week. The jury on Thursday found her guilty of manslaughter for her role in the 2010 death of 3-year-old John Taylor Baxley. The state says John's death followed weeks of abuse at the hands of his father, Justin Garwacki, 31, and O'Connell, his father's ex-girlfriend. Garwacki testified against his ex-girlfriend last week as part of a plea deal. The most serious charge O'Connell faced was first-degree murder. But she was found guilty of a lesser charge, allowing her to escape a life sentence. [SKIP O'ROURKE | Times]
Kara Connell faces up to 35 years in prison.
Last week Justin Garwacki testified against his ex-girlfriend Kara O'Connell during her first-degree murder trial in the 2010 death of Garwacki's child, 3-year-old John Taylor Baxley. On Thursday, O'Connell escaped a life sentence when a jury found her guilty of lesser charges. [SKIP O'ROURKE | Times]
TAMPA — When Kara O'Connell's trial started last week, she faced a life sentence for the brutal physical abuse the state said she inflicted on a 3-year-old boy weeks before his death in 2010.
One of the state's key witnesses against her was ex-boyfriend Justin Garwacki — the boy's father — who was also charged in his son's death. He testified against his ex-girlfriend in exchange for leniency.
The father may not have been as persuasive as prosecutors had hoped.
A jury on Thursday convicted O'Connell, 26, of lesser charges in the death of 3-year-old John Taylor Baxley, sparing her from spending the rest of her life in prison.
They found her not guilty of first-degree murder, the most serious charge she faced, which carries an automatic sentence of life in prison without parole. Instead, the jury found O'Connell guilty of manslaughter, aggravated manslaughter of a child and child abuse.
Her defense attorney, Anthony Rickman, said the father's time on the stand likely led the jury away from a first-degree murder conviction.
"My client did not cause the death of this child," Rickman said. "But it's a tragic situation and there's no winners here."
Jury deliberations started Wednesday and lasted for nine hours over two days. O'Connell faces up to 35 years in prison at her sentencing, which is set for March 18.
Garwacki, 31, was charged with second-degree murder, which carries a sentence of up to life in prison. But in exchange for his testimony, prosecutors will recommend that he serve 30 years in prison. Garwacki's sentencing is set to take place Tuesday.
Rickman said he spent 2½ hours cross-examining Garwacki last week. During that testimony, the attorney said, the father admitted he'd struck his son the day he was found dead. Garwacki also testified that he didn't see O'Connell touch the 3-year-old on that day, the attorney said.
However, the jury also heard Garwacki explain how he and O'Connell both slapped, whacked, punched and bit the 3-year-old in the weeks before his death, Hillsborough Assistant State Attorney Rita Peters said.
Garwacki testified that he once witnessed O'Connell pick the toddler up by the throat and hold him to a ceiling fan after he messed up reciting the alphabet.
The father acknowledged his part in the numerous bruises that covered his son's body. But when asked if he thought he killed his own son, Garwacki said no.
During his testimony, however, he admitted this to the court: "I wasn't a good father."
Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office spokesman Mark Cox said his office was satisfied with the jury's decision.
"This was a horrific case and we are pleased and respect the jury's verdict," he said.
Prosecutors said the child was punished for offenses such as wetting the bed or not eating his meals. After returning home from a drug buy on Aug. 10, 2010, Garwacki found his son had stopped breathing and called 911. Hillsborough sheriff's deputies found the child with a split lip, a broken arm and an open wound on his forehead.
Last week, Peters told the jury that the boy died because his immune system was crippled, a condition some researchers have linked to physical abuse.
"What it basically means is he stopped fighting," the prosecutor said. "His body could not fight off the injuries and he finally died, he gave up."
The boy was abused over a six-week period, prosecutors said, while he stayed with his father during a summer trip to Tampa.
The couple never took him to a doctor.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Florida.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/hillsborough-woman-found-guilty-of-lesser-charges-in-2010-death-of-toddler/2265057
Hillsborough woman escapes life sentence in 2010 death of toddler, is convicted of lesser offenses
By Sara DiNatale, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 11, 2016 2:42pm
Kara O'Connell, 26, is escorted from the courtroom during a break in her trial last week. The jury on Thursday found her guilty of manslaughter for her role in the 2010 death of 3-year-old John Taylor Baxley. The state says John's death followed weeks of abuse at the hands of his father, Justin Garwacki, 31, and O'Connell, his father's ex-girlfriend. Garwacki testified against his ex-girlfriend last week as part of a plea deal. The most serious charge O'Connell faced was first-degree murder. But she was found guilty of a lesser charge, allowing her to escape a life sentence. [SKIP O'ROURKE | Times]
Kara Connell faces up to 35 years in prison.
Last week Justin Garwacki testified against his ex-girlfriend Kara O'Connell during her first-degree murder trial in the 2010 death of Garwacki's child, 3-year-old John Taylor Baxley. On Thursday, O'Connell escaped a life sentence when a jury found her guilty of lesser charges. [SKIP O'ROURKE | Times]
TAMPA — When Kara O'Connell's trial started last week, she faced a life sentence for the brutal physical abuse the state said she inflicted on a 3-year-old boy weeks before his death in 2010.
One of the state's key witnesses against her was ex-boyfriend Justin Garwacki — the boy's father — who was also charged in his son's death. He testified against his ex-girlfriend in exchange for leniency.
The father may not have been as persuasive as prosecutors had hoped.
A jury on Thursday convicted O'Connell, 26, of lesser charges in the death of 3-year-old John Taylor Baxley, sparing her from spending the rest of her life in prison.
They found her not guilty of first-degree murder, the most serious charge she faced, which carries an automatic sentence of life in prison without parole. Instead, the jury found O'Connell guilty of manslaughter, aggravated manslaughter of a child and child abuse.
Her defense attorney, Anthony Rickman, said the father's time on the stand likely led the jury away from a first-degree murder conviction.
"My client did not cause the death of this child," Rickman said. "But it's a tragic situation and there's no winners here."
Jury deliberations started Wednesday and lasted for nine hours over two days. O'Connell faces up to 35 years in prison at her sentencing, which is set for March 18.
Garwacki, 31, was charged with second-degree murder, which carries a sentence of up to life in prison. But in exchange for his testimony, prosecutors will recommend that he serve 30 years in prison. Garwacki's sentencing is set to take place Tuesday.
Rickman said he spent 2½ hours cross-examining Garwacki last week. During that testimony, the attorney said, the father admitted he'd struck his son the day he was found dead. Garwacki also testified that he didn't see O'Connell touch the 3-year-old on that day, the attorney said.
However, the jury also heard Garwacki explain how he and O'Connell both slapped, whacked, punched and bit the 3-year-old in the weeks before his death, Hillsborough Assistant State Attorney Rita Peters said.
Garwacki testified that he once witnessed O'Connell pick the toddler up by the throat and hold him to a ceiling fan after he messed up reciting the alphabet.
The father acknowledged his part in the numerous bruises that covered his son's body. But when asked if he thought he killed his own son, Garwacki said no.
During his testimony, however, he admitted this to the court: "I wasn't a good father."
Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office spokesman Mark Cox said his office was satisfied with the jury's decision.
"This was a horrific case and we are pleased and respect the jury's verdict," he said.
Prosecutors said the child was punished for offenses such as wetting the bed or not eating his meals. After returning home from a drug buy on Aug. 10, 2010, Garwacki found his son had stopped breathing and called 911. Hillsborough sheriff's deputies found the child with a split lip, a broken arm and an open wound on his forehead.
Last week, Peters told the jury that the boy died because his immune system was crippled, a condition some researchers have linked to physical abuse.
"What it basically means is he stopped fighting," the prosecutor said. "His body could not fight off the injuries and he finally died, he gave up."
The boy was abused over a six-week period, prosecutors said, while he stayed with his father during a summer trip to Tampa.
The couple never took him to a doctor.
Monday, January 11, 2016
Police searching for custodial father of baby "believed to be dead" (Jacksonville, Florida)
I fail to see how Daddy was the best choice for custody of a newborn, given that he was homeless and had a criminal history. This is what happens when fathers rights are supreme over the best interests of a baby.
Dad is identified as DWAYNE WEEDON.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Florida.
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/news/local/jso-hold-news-briefing-sunday-evening-current-inve/np2pD/
Posted: 5:01 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016
Jacksonville baby believed to be dead, police searching for father
Police believe Nehemiah is dead and have been unable to locate his father Dwayne Weedon, who claims he gave the baby to out-of-state relatives.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Police believe a missing Jacksonville baby is dead and are searching for the father.
Dwayne Weedon, 29, got custody of a newborn and two other children while their mother was in jail in 2014.
JSO said Weedon claims he gave custody of newborn Nehemiah Weedon to family members out of state in Oct. 2014.
Police have not been able to locate Nehemiah and believe he is dead.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office released information about the case at a press conference Sunday.
Officials said Kristen Branch gave Weedon custody of their two other children, 2 and 4, when she was jailed for forgery, fraud and narcotics charges in March 2014.
Weedon was homeless and lived at Sulzbacher Center with their two children, according to police.
Branch gave birth to Nehemiah at UF Health while in custody in Aug. 2014. Weedon took custody of Nehemiah a few days after he was born and returned to Sulzbacher Center with all three children, according to police.
Branch was sentenced in Sept. 2014 and began to serve time at Florida State Prison.
According to authorities, Weedon told a Sulzbacher caseworker in Oct. 2014 that he was having trouble taking care of Nehemiah and decided to give an out-of-state relative custody of the child.
Weedon was asked to leave the Sulzbacher Center in Dec. 2014 due to behavioral issues, authorities said. He took his two children to 'places unknown,' according to police.
When Branch was released from prison in Nov. 2015, police said Weedon gave Branch the two children. Police said Branch did not question Weedon when he told her Nehemiah was with family that live out of state.
Branch went to live with family in St. Johns County after her release. Her family became concerned about the circumstances surrounding the transfer of custody of Nehemiah and contacted St. Johns County deputies.
The case was turned over to JSO and they began to investigate on Jan. 1, 2016.
Officers have not been able to get in contact with Weedon. Branch said she last talked with Weedon on Dec. 21, 2015.
They've contacted many of Weedon's out-of-state family members, who live in various states from the East Coast to the Central United States, and have been unable to locate anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Nehemiah.
Police said they believe Nehemiah has been dead since Weedon claimed he was handed over to family in Oct. 2014.
JSO is seeking any information regarding the whereabouts of Nehemiah and Dwayne Weedon.
Police said Weedon may be in the Jacksonville area. Weedon frequented the Baymeadows, Southside and Springfield areas in Jacksonville.
Police are asking anyone who may have seen him and Nehemiah to contact authorities at 904-630-0500.
Weedon has unrelated warrants for credit card fraud and dealing in stolen property, according to JSO.
Dad is identified as DWAYNE WEEDON.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Florida.
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/news/local/jso-hold-news-briefing-sunday-evening-current-inve/np2pD/
Posted: 5:01 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016
Jacksonville baby believed to be dead, police searching for father
Police believe Nehemiah is dead and have been unable to locate his father Dwayne Weedon, who claims he gave the baby to out-of-state relatives.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Police believe a missing Jacksonville baby is dead and are searching for the father.
Dwayne Weedon, 29, got custody of a newborn and two other children while their mother was in jail in 2014.
JSO said Weedon claims he gave custody of newborn Nehemiah Weedon to family members out of state in Oct. 2014.
Police have not been able to locate Nehemiah and believe he is dead.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office released information about the case at a press conference Sunday.
Officials said Kristen Branch gave Weedon custody of their two other children, 2 and 4, when she was jailed for forgery, fraud and narcotics charges in March 2014.
Weedon was homeless and lived at Sulzbacher Center with their two children, according to police.
Branch gave birth to Nehemiah at UF Health while in custody in Aug. 2014. Weedon took custody of Nehemiah a few days after he was born and returned to Sulzbacher Center with all three children, according to police.
Branch was sentenced in Sept. 2014 and began to serve time at Florida State Prison.
According to authorities, Weedon told a Sulzbacher caseworker in Oct. 2014 that he was having trouble taking care of Nehemiah and decided to give an out-of-state relative custody of the child.
Weedon was asked to leave the Sulzbacher Center in Dec. 2014 due to behavioral issues, authorities said. He took his two children to 'places unknown,' according to police.
When Branch was released from prison in Nov. 2015, police said Weedon gave Branch the two children. Police said Branch did not question Weedon when he told her Nehemiah was with family that live out of state.
Branch went to live with family in St. Johns County after her release. Her family became concerned about the circumstances surrounding the transfer of custody of Nehemiah and contacted St. Johns County deputies.
The case was turned over to JSO and they began to investigate on Jan. 1, 2016.
Officers have not been able to get in contact with Weedon. Branch said she last talked with Weedon on Dec. 21, 2015.
They've contacted many of Weedon's out-of-state family members, who live in various states from the East Coast to the Central United States, and have been unable to locate anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Nehemiah.
Police said they believe Nehemiah has been dead since Weedon claimed he was handed over to family in Oct. 2014.
JSO is seeking any information regarding the whereabouts of Nehemiah and Dwayne Weedon.
Police said Weedon may be in the Jacksonville area. Weedon frequented the Baymeadows, Southside and Springfield areas in Jacksonville.
Police are asking anyone who may have seen him and Nehemiah to contact authorities at 904-630-0500.
Weedon has unrelated warrants for credit card fraud and dealing in stolen property, according to JSO.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Custodial dad with outstanding criminal warrants charged with aggravated manslaughter for suffocation death of 6-year-old son (Englewood, Florida)
Still no explanation (surprise!) as to how a father with a history of abuse (animal cruelty) and other criminal behavior managed to get custody of a young child, much less who gave it to him. What happened to this boy's mother? Why has she been erased from the story?
Very typical news story concerning an obviously custodial father (who is not openly identified as such, but clearly is) along with lots of airbrushing and erasure of key points as to how this apparent killer managed to secure access to his victim.
Dad is identified as JAMES DEARMAN.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Florida.
http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/69627562-story
Dad, girlfriend arrested in son's Christmas Eve death
Shayla Reaves reports
Posted:Jan 06 2016 05:27AM EST Updated:Jan 06 2016 10:29AM EST
ENGLEWOOD (FOX 13) - A man and his girlfriend are behind bars following the death of a 6-year-old boy this past Christmas Eve.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office says it happened at a home in Englewood, where 31-year-old James Dearman and his girlfriend, 22-year-old Ashley Cole, were playing video games that night.
According deputies, Dearman’s 6-year-old son and his 7-year-old sibling were in the room, and had been told to stand with their faces to the wall. But things turned violent when the youngest turned around to look at the television.
Investigators say Dearman got angry and forced his son to lie on the couch, on his side with the cushions covering his mouth.
"He then pinned his son against that part of the couch using his body weight and pressed against him. The child repeatedly told him he couldn't breathe and eventually became unconscious," said Captain John Walsh of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies say after his son passed out, Dearman and Cole went to smoke a cigarette in the garage before they called for help.
Dearman reportedly told first responders that his son was unconscious and had stopped breathing. The boy was pronounced dead at the hospital, where they also spotted bruising on his back.
Investigators arrested Dearman the following Monday, December 28, for outstanding animal cruelty and damage to property warrants out of Georgia. He was later charged with aggravated child abuse, which was then upgraded to aggravated manslaughter of a child on New Year’s Eve.
Deputies arrested Dearman’s girlfriend, Cole, on Monday, January 4, after investigators learned she may have helped hold the boy down during the incident. She’s been charged with principal to aggravated manslaughter of a child.
Very typical news story concerning an obviously custodial father (who is not openly identified as such, but clearly is) along with lots of airbrushing and erasure of key points as to how this apparent killer managed to secure access to his victim.
Dad is identified as JAMES DEARMAN.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Florida.
http://www.fox13news.com/news/local-news/69627562-story
Dad, girlfriend arrested in son's Christmas Eve death
Shayla Reaves reports
Posted:Jan 06 2016 05:27AM EST Updated:Jan 06 2016 10:29AM EST
ENGLEWOOD (FOX 13) - A man and his girlfriend are behind bars following the death of a 6-year-old boy this past Christmas Eve.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office says it happened at a home in Englewood, where 31-year-old James Dearman and his girlfriend, 22-year-old Ashley Cole, were playing video games that night.
According deputies, Dearman’s 6-year-old son and his 7-year-old sibling were in the room, and had been told to stand with their faces to the wall. But things turned violent when the youngest turned around to look at the television.
Investigators say Dearman got angry and forced his son to lie on the couch, on his side with the cushions covering his mouth.
"He then pinned his son against that part of the couch using his body weight and pressed against him. The child repeatedly told him he couldn't breathe and eventually became unconscious," said Captain John Walsh of the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies say after his son passed out, Dearman and Cole went to smoke a cigarette in the garage before they called for help.
Dearman reportedly told first responders that his son was unconscious and had stopped breathing. The boy was pronounced dead at the hospital, where they also spotted bruising on his back.
Investigators arrested Dearman the following Monday, December 28, for outstanding animal cruelty and damage to property warrants out of Georgia. He was later charged with aggravated child abuse, which was then upgraded to aggravated manslaughter of a child on New Year’s Eve.
Deputies arrested Dearman’s girlfriend, Cole, on Monday, January 4, after investigators learned she may have helped hold the boy down during the incident. She’s been charged with principal to aggravated manslaughter of a child.
Monday, January 4, 2016
Dad with custody/visitation rights charged with suffocating, killing 6-year-old son (Englewood, Florida)
Typical example of the way the media erases father custody/visitation "rights" from a child abuse story. Clearly the "girlfriend" is not the mother, or she would have been identified as the mother. Ergo, the mother is elsewhere. So it is obvious that this violent, video-addicted POS had some sort of child access--whether it was court-ordered or not is not specified. But that is also typical. Mustn't let the public know that the family courts either ordered this child into Daddy's "care" and/or pressured the mother into being "cooperative" and providing access "voluntarily."
Dad is identified as JAMES DEARMAN.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Florida.
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/man-charged-suffocating-son-against-couch?ref=yfp
Man charged with suffocating son against couch
By the Associated Press | January 3, 2016 | 2:55 AM EST
ENGLEWOOD, Fla. (AP) — Authorities say a 6-year-old Florida boy is dead after his father pinned him against a couch while the man and his girlfriend played video games Christmas Eve.
Local media outlets report that 31-year-old James Dearman was charged Thursday with aggravated manslaughter of a child.
A Sarasota County Sheriff's Office report says Dearman and his live-in girlfriend told the victim and his 7-year-old brother to go to bed but the boys continue to run around. Dearman's girlfriend told deputies that the father eventually became angry and used his full body weight to pin his younger son to the couch.
The report says the couple eventually realized the child wasn't breathing, so Dearman called 911 and began performing CPR. The boy was later pronounced dead at Englewood Hospital.
Dearman was being held on $1 million bail.
Jail records didn't list an attorney.
Dad is identified as JAMES DEARMAN.
See the Killer Dads and Custody list for Florida.
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/man-charged-suffocating-son-against-couch?ref=yfp
Man charged with suffocating son against couch
By the Associated Press | January 3, 2016 | 2:55 AM EST
ENGLEWOOD, Fla. (AP) — Authorities say a 6-year-old Florida boy is dead after his father pinned him against a couch while the man and his girlfriend played video games Christmas Eve.
Local media outlets report that 31-year-old James Dearman was charged Thursday with aggravated manslaughter of a child.
A Sarasota County Sheriff's Office report says Dearman and his live-in girlfriend told the victim and his 7-year-old brother to go to bed but the boys continue to run around. Dearman's girlfriend told deputies that the father eventually became angry and used his full body weight to pin his younger son to the couch.
The report says the couple eventually realized the child wasn't breathing, so Dearman called 911 and began performing CPR. The boy was later pronounced dead at Englewood Hospital.
Dearman was being held on $1 million bail.
Jail records didn't list an attorney.
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Dad charged with severely injuring 2-month-old son while baby in dad's custody (Tampa, Florida)
Utterly ridiculous that a 2-month-old infant should have been subjected to visitation. Dad is identified as KENT HAWKINS JOHNSON SR. How much do you want to bet that Daddy had a previous record of violence that was ignored when these custody arrangements were inflicted on this poor baby.
http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/hillsborough-regional-news/father-charged-with-severely-injuring-infant-son
Father charged with severely injuring infant son
By: WFTS Webteam
Posted: 8:31 PM, Dec 29, 2015 Updated: 11:17 PM, Dec 29, 2015
A 2-month-old child clung to life Tuesday after Hillsborough County deputies say his father left him in critical condition.
Kent Hawkins Johnson Sr., 23, of Tampa has been charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse.
A family member told ABC Action News the child, Kent Johnson Jr., is the suspect's son.
ABC Action News will have more on this story on air at 11 p.m., including the latest update on the child's condition.
Deputies began investigating after the victim arrived at a hospital 4:30 a.m. Monday with severe injuries.
The child’s injuries occurred on two separate days while he was in Johnson’s custody, according to law enforcement. On Dec. 19 the child’s ribs and femur were fractured.
The child’s skull was fractured Sunday.
Johnson told law enforcement he was holding the child on his shoulders and spinning him in circles when he fell, causing the boy to hit tile floor.
He said this is probably when the child’s ribs and leg were fractured.
Law enforcement said Johnson told them he purposely hit the child on the head Sunday while the boy was crying.
Johnson is being held without bond at the Hillsborough County Jail.
http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/hillsborough-regional-news/father-charged-with-severely-injuring-infant-son
Father charged with severely injuring infant son
By: WFTS Webteam
Posted: 8:31 PM, Dec 29, 2015 Updated: 11:17 PM, Dec 29, 2015
A 2-month-old child clung to life Tuesday after Hillsborough County deputies say his father left him in critical condition.
Kent Hawkins Johnson Sr., 23, of Tampa has been charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse.
A family member told ABC Action News the child, Kent Johnson Jr., is the suspect's son.
ABC Action News will have more on this story on air at 11 p.m., including the latest update on the child's condition.
Deputies began investigating after the victim arrived at a hospital 4:30 a.m. Monday with severe injuries.
The child’s injuries occurred on two separate days while he was in Johnson’s custody, according to law enforcement. On Dec. 19 the child’s ribs and femur were fractured.
The child’s skull was fractured Sunday.
Johnson told law enforcement he was holding the child on his shoulders and spinning him in circles when he fell, causing the boy to hit tile floor.
He said this is probably when the child’s ribs and leg were fractured.
Law enforcement said Johnson told them he purposely hit the child on the head Sunday while the boy was crying.
Johnson is being held without bond at the Hillsborough County Jail.
Friday, December 11, 2015
Judge Lee A. Schreiber: Dad "suspected" in murder of estranged wife retains custody of 8- and 10-year-old daughters (Lee County, Florida)
More insanity from the fathers rights-dominated state of Florida. The state that typically leads the US in father custody-related murders.
There is no "speculation" here. The research and the evidence is very clear: these children are at a VERY HIGH RISK of abuse and murder. Check out Josh Powell, the guy who was never arrested for the murder of his wife--who went on to murder his sons.
http://www.news-press.com/story/news/2015/12/07/judge-dcf-motion-denied-sievers-girls-stay-father/76798902/
Judge: Sievers girls to stay with father, DCF petition denied
BEN BRASCH, BBRASCH@NEWS-PRESS.COM 8:34 p.m. EST December 7, 2015
Despite a state agency's attempt to take his children away after documents implicated him in his wife's killing, a judge ruled Mark Sievers' two daughters will remain in his custody.
Circuit Judge Lee A. Schreiber denied Monday a Department of Children and Families sheltering petition to remove Sievers' daughters, ages 8 and 11.
Sievers has not been charged with a crime, but documents released by the state attorney's office Tuesday linked him with two men arrested in the murder of Dr. Teresa Sievers — Curtis Wayne Wright Jr., 47, and Jimmy Rodgers, 25. According to court documents, witness testimony alleges Sievers hired his longtime friend, Wright, to kill his wife. Wright then planned to pay Rodgers $10,000 to help him. Rodgers is in a Illinois prison on an unrelated gun charge.
Schreiber underscored that when she denied the request: "The possibility that the father would abscond, that he would place the children in harm's way, (that) he would intentionally harm the children as he is alleged to have harmed their mother, is just that – it's a possibility. The grounds to remove children from parents is more probable than not, probably this happened. I can't speculate about what's going to happen in the future. There is a reason why it's a probable cause standard and not 'I think this happened, we think this might happen, we're suspicious this might happen, we have concerns that this may happen, there's a possibility this may happen' – that's not the standard for removing children, so I deny the shelter petition." Mark Sievers was present at the Lee County Courthouse for a shelter hearing for his two children on Monday. Sievers will keep custody of his children after a judge denied a DCF request for a sheltering petition.
Teresa Sievers, 46, was found dead in her Bonita Springs home June 29. An autopsy showed she died of blunt force trauma to the head and investigative files say a bloodied hammer was found beside her body.
The DCF scheduled an emergency shelter hearing for Friday after someone called a child protection investigator. Schreiber continued the hearing to Monday.
Sievers remained emotionless throughout Monday's hearing, which the girls did not attend.
Sievers refused to answer questions by the media after the hearing. His attorney, Lee Hollander, attended but left before the proceedings ended. Mark Sievers exiting the Lee County courtroom Monday where a judge denied a DCF petition to take his daughters away.
Despite court documents implicating him in the killing of his wife, Sievers will retain custody of his daughters, ages 8 and 11.
Natalie Harrell, DCF spokeswoman, said child safety is the agency's top priority.
"If we receive concerning information that we believe could signal impending danger for children involved, as we did in this case, we take immediate steps to ensure the safety of the children," she wrote in an email. "Moving forward, we will keep our investigation open; however, we have limited ability to work with the family unless the father is arrested."
Harrell said she couldn't comment further, citing HIPPA laws.
Theresa Fracek, a DCF program administrator with years of experience investigating child maltreatment, testified that the agency's "specific concern is the result of the impending danger."
Fracek said the agency didn't know Sievers was more than a person of interest — common to homicide cases in which one spouse is still alive and uncooperative with authorities — until Wednesday.
"We became aware from information media released," she said.
Schreiber asked Fracek why DCF didn't remove the girls from their father's custody, which it doesn't need the court's permission to do.
"It just seems like this was not the normal protocol," Schreiber said. Fracek said: "Our concern was the reaction by the father … We were trying to coordinate with the father."
Big question: Will Mark Sievers be arrested?
Fracek said another arrest is "very likely" and described the situation as having "extenuating circumstances beyond the norm."
Under cross examination by Pamela Montgomery, who represented Sievers at the hearing, Fracek said the agency didn't contact him for fear of what he could do to the children.
"This is based purely on speculation," Montgomery said in closing. "The children are safe."
Schreiber ended the hearing with a salient reminder: "Obviously, if the facts and circumstances change, as they well may from day to day, the department clearly has authority over the statute to make a physical removal of the children."
There is no "speculation" here. The research and the evidence is very clear: these children are at a VERY HIGH RISK of abuse and murder. Check out Josh Powell, the guy who was never arrested for the murder of his wife--who went on to murder his sons.
http://www.news-press.com/story/news/2015/12/07/judge-dcf-motion-denied-sievers-girls-stay-father/76798902/
Judge: Sievers girls to stay with father, DCF petition denied
BEN BRASCH, BBRASCH@NEWS-PRESS.COM 8:34 p.m. EST December 7, 2015
Despite a state agency's attempt to take his children away after documents implicated him in his wife's killing, a judge ruled Mark Sievers' two daughters will remain in his custody.
Circuit Judge Lee A. Schreiber denied Monday a Department of Children and Families sheltering petition to remove Sievers' daughters, ages 8 and 11.
Sievers has not been charged with a crime, but documents released by the state attorney's office Tuesday linked him with two men arrested in the murder of Dr. Teresa Sievers — Curtis Wayne Wright Jr., 47, and Jimmy Rodgers, 25. According to court documents, witness testimony alleges Sievers hired his longtime friend, Wright, to kill his wife. Wright then planned to pay Rodgers $10,000 to help him. Rodgers is in a Illinois prison on an unrelated gun charge.
Schreiber underscored that when she denied the request: "The possibility that the father would abscond, that he would place the children in harm's way, (that) he would intentionally harm the children as he is alleged to have harmed their mother, is just that – it's a possibility. The grounds to remove children from parents is more probable than not, probably this happened. I can't speculate about what's going to happen in the future. There is a reason why it's a probable cause standard and not 'I think this happened, we think this might happen, we're suspicious this might happen, we have concerns that this may happen, there's a possibility this may happen' – that's not the standard for removing children, so I deny the shelter petition." Mark Sievers was present at the Lee County Courthouse for a shelter hearing for his two children on Monday. Sievers will keep custody of his children after a judge denied a DCF request for a sheltering petition.
Teresa Sievers, 46, was found dead in her Bonita Springs home June 29. An autopsy showed she died of blunt force trauma to the head and investigative files say a bloodied hammer was found beside her body.
The DCF scheduled an emergency shelter hearing for Friday after someone called a child protection investigator. Schreiber continued the hearing to Monday.
Sievers remained emotionless throughout Monday's hearing, which the girls did not attend.
Sievers refused to answer questions by the media after the hearing. His attorney, Lee Hollander, attended but left before the proceedings ended. Mark Sievers exiting the Lee County courtroom Monday where a judge denied a DCF petition to take his daughters away.
Despite court documents implicating him in the killing of his wife, Sievers will retain custody of his daughters, ages 8 and 11.
Natalie Harrell, DCF spokeswoman, said child safety is the agency's top priority.
"If we receive concerning information that we believe could signal impending danger for children involved, as we did in this case, we take immediate steps to ensure the safety of the children," she wrote in an email. "Moving forward, we will keep our investigation open; however, we have limited ability to work with the family unless the father is arrested."
Harrell said she couldn't comment further, citing HIPPA laws.
Theresa Fracek, a DCF program administrator with years of experience investigating child maltreatment, testified that the agency's "specific concern is the result of the impending danger."
Fracek said the agency didn't know Sievers was more than a person of interest — common to homicide cases in which one spouse is still alive and uncooperative with authorities — until Wednesday.
"We became aware from information media released," she said.
Schreiber asked Fracek why DCF didn't remove the girls from their father's custody, which it doesn't need the court's permission to do.
"It just seems like this was not the normal protocol," Schreiber said. Fracek said: "Our concern was the reaction by the father … We were trying to coordinate with the father."
Big question: Will Mark Sievers be arrested?
Fracek said another arrest is "very likely" and described the situation as having "extenuating circumstances beyond the norm."
Under cross examination by Pamela Montgomery, who represented Sievers at the hearing, Fracek said the agency didn't contact him for fear of what he could do to the children.
"This is based purely on speculation," Montgomery said in closing. "The children are safe."
Schreiber ended the hearing with a salient reminder: "Obviously, if the facts and circumstances change, as they well may from day to day, the department clearly has authority over the statute to make a physical removal of the children."
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Registered sex offender dad with unspecified custodial rights arrested for beating 9-year-old son (Orange County, Florida)
Where can you even start with this level of crazy?
Let's see.
* The obvious bullsh** of the Clueless Neighbor, who insists "nice guy" daddy "loves his kid very much" despite the fact that the same daddy beats the child so badly that he has facial injuries, bruises, and belt wounds?
*How about the fact that Daddy has had multiple encounters with CPS, and they do nothing to protect the boy? (Never mind how this fits in with Clueless Neighbor's idiotic insistences referenced above).
* CPS is so f***ed up that they can't even deal with a media interview?
* And this, which just takes my breath away. Daddy has been convicted of sexual assault, failed to register as a sexual offender, and yet in his custody filings claims he needs to provide his son with a "positive male role model." WHAT?
*And what custody dealings? What moronic Florida judge gave this father any access at all? Just what custody rights did Daddy have? Obviously not supervised visitation. Did this piece of crap have full custody? And what happened to Mom?
Dad is identified as WESLEY MCVAY.
http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/9-investigates-father-arrested-child-abuse-charges/npWsx/
Posted: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015 9
Investigates father arrested on child abuse charges after multiple DCF encounters
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Inside a nondescript block home on a quiet Conway-area street, investigators believe a 38-year-old registered sex offender hit his 9-year-old son so hard that it broke capillaries in the boy's face.
Neighbors told Channel 9's Karla Ray that they didn't know that Wesley McVay had been arrested.
"All I know is he loves his kid very much," neighbor Shaffie Mohammed said.
The Florida Department of Children and Families took McVay's son from him three weeks ago, after they reportedly found the boy with the facial injuries, bruises and belt wounds on his backside.
"Have you ever seen bruises or anything on the little boy?" Ray asked Mohammed. "No. Never," Mohammed said.
McVay was arrested Tuesday and charged with child abuse.
According to his arrest report, McVay has a history of encounters with DCF, in regards to child abuse allegations. All of those incidents included the same child.
When Ray asked DCF officials why the child wasn't taken from McVay sooner, they said the family's history wasn't public. No one from the agency would agree to an on-camera interview with Ray.
"I've seen a DCF truck come in here a couple of times but I don't get involved with it. That's his personal business. I don't get involved with it," Mohammed said.
McVay was found guilty of sexual assault in Texas in 1998.
The year before his son was born, McVay was convicted in Florida of failing to register as an offender.
According to custody filings that Ray examined, McVay wanted more access to his son so that the child would have a "positive male role model in his life."
"I'll be surprised. He's a really nice guy. He really takes care of his kid. He loves his kid, he really does," Mohammed said.
McVay was being held in the Orange County Jail.
Let's see.
* The obvious bullsh** of the Clueless Neighbor, who insists "nice guy" daddy "loves his kid very much" despite the fact that the same daddy beats the child so badly that he has facial injuries, bruises, and belt wounds?
*How about the fact that Daddy has had multiple encounters with CPS, and they do nothing to protect the boy? (Never mind how this fits in with Clueless Neighbor's idiotic insistences referenced above).
* CPS is so f***ed up that they can't even deal with a media interview?
* And this, which just takes my breath away. Daddy has been convicted of sexual assault, failed to register as a sexual offender, and yet in his custody filings claims he needs to provide his son with a "positive male role model." WHAT?
*And what custody dealings? What moronic Florida judge gave this father any access at all? Just what custody rights did Daddy have? Obviously not supervised visitation. Did this piece of crap have full custody? And what happened to Mom?
Dad is identified as WESLEY MCVAY.
http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/9-investigates-father-arrested-child-abuse-charges/npWsx/
Posted: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015 9
Investigates father arrested on child abuse charges after multiple DCF encounters
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Inside a nondescript block home on a quiet Conway-area street, investigators believe a 38-year-old registered sex offender hit his 9-year-old son so hard that it broke capillaries in the boy's face.
Neighbors told Channel 9's Karla Ray that they didn't know that Wesley McVay had been arrested.
"All I know is he loves his kid very much," neighbor Shaffie Mohammed said.
The Florida Department of Children and Families took McVay's son from him three weeks ago, after they reportedly found the boy with the facial injuries, bruises and belt wounds on his backside.
"Have you ever seen bruises or anything on the little boy?" Ray asked Mohammed. "No. Never," Mohammed said.
McVay was arrested Tuesday and charged with child abuse.
According to his arrest report, McVay has a history of encounters with DCF, in regards to child abuse allegations. All of those incidents included the same child.
When Ray asked DCF officials why the child wasn't taken from McVay sooner, they said the family's history wasn't public. No one from the agency would agree to an on-camera interview with Ray.
"I've seen a DCF truck come in here a couple of times but I don't get involved with it. That's his personal business. I don't get involved with it," Mohammed said.
McVay was found guilty of sexual assault in Texas in 1998.
The year before his son was born, McVay was convicted in Florida of failing to register as an offender.
According to custody filings that Ray examined, McVay wanted more access to his son so that the child would have a "positive male role model in his life."
"I'll be surprised. He's a really nice guy. He really takes care of his kid. He loves his kid, he really does," Mohammed said.
McVay was being held in the Orange County Jail.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Police search for custodial dad with "criminal history"; 3-year-old daughter "missing" (Davie, Florida)
Florida is a leader in granting abusive fathers custody. Note that this article doesn't even question how or why a father with an unspecified "criminal history" like JUSTIN CALDWELL was awarded legal custody of a todder, now "missing." No names of the folks resposible for such a bizarre, anti-child decision.
So you still believe poor daddies are discriminated against? Bullsh**.
http://www.wsvn.com/story/30557372/davie-police-searching-for-child-who-went-missing-with-father
Davie Police searching for child who went missing with father
Posted: Nov 19, 2015 8:09 AM EST Updated: Nov 19, 2015 5:10 PM EST
DAVIE, Fla. (WSVN) -- The Davie Police Department is looking for the father of a 3-year-old who went missing, Thursday.
Miracle Hardin is described as 3 feet 2 inches tall, 32 pounds, with light brown curly hair and brown eyes. She is believed to be with her father, 22-year-old Justin Caldwell, who has legal custody of the child after she was removed from her mother's care.
Davie police are concerned for the child's safety as Caldwell does have a criminal history. "I had no idea that there was any problem with him," said Harriett Fiering.
Fiering lives next to Caldwell's last known address and never saw Hardin. According to police, Caldwell's girlfriend currently lives there. "I didn't even know she was living next door, 'cause the girl who rents out that unit has two children," said Fiering. "I was used to seeing them but I never saw ... I didn't even know he had a child."
Caldwell was previously living at a Davie apartment with his girlfriend at the time but has not been seen or heard from since Sunday. "We have been unable to contact the father to insure the welfare of the child," said Davie Police Capt. Dale Engle, "but Family Services received a call concerning the welfare of the child, and that's what prompted us to go out initially, and we want to make sure the child is OK."
Adding more difficulty to the situation, Caldwell does not own a vehicle, so authorities were unable to send out an Amber Alert for Hardin. "He doesn't have a car, so we need the public's assistance," said Engle. "Someone has seen this man with this child out there, and we just want to make sure the child is OK."
Officials do not believe Caldwell will hurt Hardin but are still searching for him.
The Florida Department of Children and Families are also investigating, along with Davie Police.
If anyone comes into contact with Miracle and/or Justin, please contact the Davie Police Department at (954) 693-8200.
So you still believe poor daddies are discriminated against? Bullsh**.
http://www.wsvn.com/story/30557372/davie-police-searching-for-child-who-went-missing-with-father
Davie Police searching for child who went missing with father
Posted: Nov 19, 2015 8:09 AM EST Updated: Nov 19, 2015 5:10 PM EST
DAVIE, Fla. (WSVN) -- The Davie Police Department is looking for the father of a 3-year-old who went missing, Thursday.
Miracle Hardin is described as 3 feet 2 inches tall, 32 pounds, with light brown curly hair and brown eyes. She is believed to be with her father, 22-year-old Justin Caldwell, who has legal custody of the child after she was removed from her mother's care.
Davie police are concerned for the child's safety as Caldwell does have a criminal history. "I had no idea that there was any problem with him," said Harriett Fiering.
Fiering lives next to Caldwell's last known address and never saw Hardin. According to police, Caldwell's girlfriend currently lives there. "I didn't even know she was living next door, 'cause the girl who rents out that unit has two children," said Fiering. "I was used to seeing them but I never saw ... I didn't even know he had a child."
Caldwell was previously living at a Davie apartment with his girlfriend at the time but has not been seen or heard from since Sunday. "We have been unable to contact the father to insure the welfare of the child," said Davie Police Capt. Dale Engle, "but Family Services received a call concerning the welfare of the child, and that's what prompted us to go out initially, and we want to make sure the child is OK."
Adding more difficulty to the situation, Caldwell does not own a vehicle, so authorities were unable to send out an Amber Alert for Hardin. "He doesn't have a car, so we need the public's assistance," said Engle. "Someone has seen this man with this child out there, and we just want to make sure the child is OK."
Officials do not believe Caldwell will hurt Hardin but are still searching for him.
The Florida Department of Children and Families are also investigating, along with Davie Police.
If anyone comes into contact with Miracle and/or Justin, please contact the Davie Police Department at (954) 693-8200.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Dad gets 10 years for death of 5-month-old son found buried in backyard (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Dad is identified as CALVIN MELVIN.
http://www.wsvn.com/story/30118212/father-sentenced-to-10-years-in-toddlers-death
Father sentenced to 10 years in toddler's death
Posted: Sep 25, 2015 3:53 PM EST Updated: Sep 25, 2015 4:12 PM EST
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida father has been sentenced to 10 years behind bars in the death of his 5-month-old son, who was found buried in a backyard.
Twenty-nine-year-old Calvin Melvin had been charged with child neglect and lying to officials to cover up the whereabouts and death of his son, Dontrell. The child's remains were later found in the backyard of a Hallandale Beach home, back in January 2013.
The boy was last seen in July 2011, but he was not reported missing until January 2013.
Melvin was sentenced to five years on each count of providing false information to police. After pleading no contest to the falsifying information charge, his charge of child neglect was dropped. Prosecutors said on three separate occasions, Melvin lied about the boy's whereabouts.
Melvin's girlfriend and Dontrell's mother, Brittney Sierra, was also charged. However, all charges against her were later dropped.
http://www.wsvn.com/story/30118212/father-sentenced-to-10-years-in-toddlers-death
Father sentenced to 10 years in toddler's death
Posted: Sep 25, 2015 3:53 PM EST Updated: Sep 25, 2015 4:12 PM EST
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida father has been sentenced to 10 years behind bars in the death of his 5-month-old son, who was found buried in a backyard.
Twenty-nine-year-old Calvin Melvin had been charged with child neglect and lying to officials to cover up the whereabouts and death of his son, Dontrell. The child's remains were later found in the backyard of a Hallandale Beach home, back in January 2013.
The boy was last seen in July 2011, but he was not reported missing until January 2013.
Melvin was sentenced to five years on each count of providing false information to police. After pleading no contest to the falsifying information charge, his charge of child neglect was dropped. Prosecutors said on three separate occasions, Melvin lied about the boy's whereabouts.
Melvin's girlfriend and Dontrell's mother, Brittney Sierra, was also charged. However, all charges against her were later dropped.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Dad pleads guilty to criminally negligent homicide in strangulation death of 13-month-old baby (Florence, Florida)
Dad is identified as JUSTIN MATTHEW GREEN.
http://www.timesdaily.com/news/crime/father-pleads-guilty-in-infant-s-death-lauderdale-man-pleads/article_dec4efe4-9360-5cf7-890d-f44bfce9d6d7.html
Father pleads guilty in infant's death; Lauderdale man pleads in sexual abuse case
Posted: Friday, September 11, 2015 12:00 am
By Tom Smith Senior Staff Writer
FLORENCE — A Florence man pleaded guilty in the death of his 13-month-old baby Thursday, while another man pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in connection with the sexual abuse of a teenage girl.
During a plea hearing Thursday before Lauderdale County Circuit Judge Mike Jones, Justin Matthew Green, 26, 502 Mars Hill Road, Florence, pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide in connection with the strangulation death of his child.
Pinkie Willard, 70, 4680 Lauderdale 36, Killen, who was indicted on charges of sexual abuse of a child under 12 and second-degree sexual abuse, pleaded to the lesser charge of third-degree assault.
Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly said both cases were scheduled for trial next week.
Agrees to plea
Green was arrested in July 2014 on charges of criminally negligent homicide. In November of that year, the grand jury upgraded the charges to manslaughter.
Criminally negligent homicide is a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by up to a year in prison.
Jones said he will sentence Green at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 24.
Lauderdale County Assistant District Attorney Will Powell said Green entered the plea Thursday after discussions with the victim’s family.
Investigators said Green was living with the baby’s mother and her two other children, who were 4 and 6, when the death occurred.
During the hearing, Powell said on Aug. 7, 2013, Green was supposed to be watching the children. He said the baby was found in her crib with a cord from a toy remote control car wrapped around her neck.
“During the course of the investigation, no evidence was discovered to indicate the cord was intentionally put around the baby’s neck,” Powell said.
A preliminary autopsy noted the state medical examiner declared the cause of death as asphyxiation and the manner of death as “accident.”
“There is dispute on how the toy got in the crib,” Powell said. “We believe (Green) put the toy in the crib to stop the baby from crying. One of the children said they put the toy in the crib, but the child has told different stories to different people.
“At the end of the day, Green was the adult there at the time, and this happened on his watch. It was his job to watch the children. He was negligent, and the baby died.”
Green then admitted to Jones he was negligent.
“He did not put the toy in the crib, but we are here today to accept responsibility for being negligent,” his attorney Tony Hughes said.
The baby’s grandmother, Tammy Cole, who attended the hearing, said she believes Green put the toy in the baby’s crib.
“And only God will make me believe any different,” said Cole, who was noticeably upset with the plea.
“I don’t like this anymore than you do,” Powell said. “But as we have talked, under the circumstances, this is a result that has some consequences.”
Sexual abuse case
Willard was accused of inappropriately touching the girl, who was 13-14 at the time.
“This was done with much discussion with the victim’s family,” Powell told Jones. “Instead of having the victim go through the trial process, they ask you to accept the plea.”
As a part of the plea agreement, the charge of sexual abuse of a child under 12 was dismissed and Willard pleaded guilty to third-degree assault, a misdemeanor, the lesser offense than second-degree sexual abuse.
“The family felt putting the victim through the trial would do more harm than good,” Powell said.
“I understand that. Hopefully, this will be an answer to the family’s wishes,” Jones said.
The judge then sentenced Willard to 12 months in the county jail, which was suspended for two years. He was placed in the Lauderdale County Community Corrections Program for two years, and he must register as a sex offender and have no contact with the victim or her family.
http://www.timesdaily.com/news/crime/father-pleads-guilty-in-infant-s-death-lauderdale-man-pleads/article_dec4efe4-9360-5cf7-890d-f44bfce9d6d7.html
Father pleads guilty in infant's death; Lauderdale man pleads in sexual abuse case
Posted: Friday, September 11, 2015 12:00 am
By Tom Smith Senior Staff Writer
FLORENCE — A Florence man pleaded guilty in the death of his 13-month-old baby Thursday, while another man pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in connection with the sexual abuse of a teenage girl.
During a plea hearing Thursday before Lauderdale County Circuit Judge Mike Jones, Justin Matthew Green, 26, 502 Mars Hill Road, Florence, pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide in connection with the strangulation death of his child.
Pinkie Willard, 70, 4680 Lauderdale 36, Killen, who was indicted on charges of sexual abuse of a child under 12 and second-degree sexual abuse, pleaded to the lesser charge of third-degree assault.
Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly said both cases were scheduled for trial next week.
Agrees to plea
Green was arrested in July 2014 on charges of criminally negligent homicide. In November of that year, the grand jury upgraded the charges to manslaughter.
Criminally negligent homicide is a Class A misdemeanor and is punishable by up to a year in prison.
Jones said he will sentence Green at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 24.
Lauderdale County Assistant District Attorney Will Powell said Green entered the plea Thursday after discussions with the victim’s family.
Investigators said Green was living with the baby’s mother and her two other children, who were 4 and 6, when the death occurred.
During the hearing, Powell said on Aug. 7, 2013, Green was supposed to be watching the children. He said the baby was found in her crib with a cord from a toy remote control car wrapped around her neck.
“During the course of the investigation, no evidence was discovered to indicate the cord was intentionally put around the baby’s neck,” Powell said.
A preliminary autopsy noted the state medical examiner declared the cause of death as asphyxiation and the manner of death as “accident.”
“There is dispute on how the toy got in the crib,” Powell said. “We believe (Green) put the toy in the crib to stop the baby from crying. One of the children said they put the toy in the crib, but the child has told different stories to different people.
“At the end of the day, Green was the adult there at the time, and this happened on his watch. It was his job to watch the children. He was negligent, and the baby died.”
Green then admitted to Jones he was negligent.
“He did not put the toy in the crib, but we are here today to accept responsibility for being negligent,” his attorney Tony Hughes said.
The baby’s grandmother, Tammy Cole, who attended the hearing, said she believes Green put the toy in the baby’s crib.
“And only God will make me believe any different,” said Cole, who was noticeably upset with the plea.
“I don’t like this anymore than you do,” Powell said. “But as we have talked, under the circumstances, this is a result that has some consequences.”
Sexual abuse case
Willard was accused of inappropriately touching the girl, who was 13-14 at the time.
“This was done with much discussion with the victim’s family,” Powell told Jones. “Instead of having the victim go through the trial process, they ask you to accept the plea.”
As a part of the plea agreement, the charge of sexual abuse of a child under 12 was dismissed and Willard pleaded guilty to third-degree assault, a misdemeanor, the lesser offense than second-degree sexual abuse.
“The family felt putting the victim through the trial would do more harm than good,” Powell said.
“I understand that. Hopefully, this will be an answer to the family’s wishes,” Jones said.
The judge then sentenced Willard to 12 months in the county jail, which was suspended for two years. He was placed in the Lauderdale County Community Corrections Program for two years, and he must register as a sex offender and have no contact with the victim or her family.
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Dad charged with 1st-degree murder in death of 7-week-old baby (St. Petersburg, Florida)
Dad is identified as MICHAEL GUADALUPE.
Notice that this is another case where Mom had to work, while the abusive, deadbeat dad played at caregiver. And once again, a child dies because young males are easily frustrated and have no nurturing skills.
http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/local/2015/09/03/father-arrested-babys-death/71655794/
Father arrested in baby's death
10 News Staff, WTSP 7:09 p.m. EDT September 3, 2015
St. Petersburg, Florida -- The father of a 7-week-old baby was arrested Thursday following an investigation into his son's death on July 7.
Detectives first became involved in the case after the baby was taken to All Children's Hospital on June 29.
Police say on that day, the boy was left in the care of his father, Michael Guadalupe, while his mother went to work. The father claimed the infant had been fed and put in his crib after becoming fussy. The father then saw the infant was unresponsive and he called 911.
During the course of the investigation, detectives learned the boy had extensive internal injuries which were inconsistent with the father's account of what happened.
The child underwent surgery and was taken off life support July 7.
The medical examiner's determined the baby's cause of death was blunt head trauma and were consistent with being shaken.
The manner of death has been ruled homicide. Detectives tried to interview Guadalupe again, but he refused to speak with them. The child's mother is not a suspect.
Guadalupe has been charged with 1st degree murder.
Notice that this is another case where Mom had to work, while the abusive, deadbeat dad played at caregiver. And once again, a child dies because young males are easily frustrated and have no nurturing skills.
http://www.wtsp.com/story/news/local/2015/09/03/father-arrested-babys-death/71655794/
Father arrested in baby's death
10 News Staff, WTSP 7:09 p.m. EDT September 3, 2015
St. Petersburg, Florida -- The father of a 7-week-old baby was arrested Thursday following an investigation into his son's death on July 7.
Detectives first became involved in the case after the baby was taken to All Children's Hospital on June 29.
Police say on that day, the boy was left in the care of his father, Michael Guadalupe, while his mother went to work. The father claimed the infant had been fed and put in his crib after becoming fussy. The father then saw the infant was unresponsive and he called 911.
During the course of the investigation, detectives learned the boy had extensive internal injuries which were inconsistent with the father's account of what happened.
The child underwent surgery and was taken off life support July 7.
The medical examiner's determined the baby's cause of death was blunt head trauma and were consistent with being shaken.
The manner of death has been ruled homicide. Detectives tried to interview Guadalupe again, but he refused to speak with them. The child's mother is not a suspect.
Guadalupe has been charged with 1st degree murder.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Dad in "child custody dispute" nearly succeeds in killing 6-year-old daughter in murder-suicide; protective mother's efforts to protect child blocked by courts (Orlando, Florida)
Once again we have the Clueless Neighbor quote. You know, the once where it is insisted that the child killer (or in this case, would-be child killer) is really a Good Guy.
The mother obviously knew that dad ROBERT MERRITT was potentially dangerous, as she tried to get the courts to give her an emergency child pick-up order, which, of course, the officials denied. This being the state of Florida, a huge fathers rights state and all.
Florida generally leads the U.S. in violent fathers with custody rights who kill children.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-man-child-injured-arson-fire-orlando-20150820-story.html
OPD: Dad allegedly wrote on Facebook he, his daughter were going to 'better place'
Man pulled from fire charged with arson, attempted murder
The man rescued from a house fire Thursday morning along with his 6-year-old daughter was charged with arson and attempted murder.
By David Harris and Stephanie Allen Staff Writer
Orange County Sheriff's Office Officers found girl pressed to window, trying to breathe in burning home
Officers pull 6-year-old girl, her unconscious father from burning home
An Orange County Sheriff's Office dispatcher allegedly wrote in a post on Facebook that he and his daughter were "going to a better place" before setting the house on fire Thursday morning with both of them inside,
Orlando Police Chief John Mina said. But before 49-year-old Robert Merritt's alleged wish could become reality, a team of Orlando police officers jumped into action to save Merritt, his 6-year-old daughter and the family dog.
Merritt, who has been a dispatcher with county since 1989, was charged with attempted murder and arson. He remains in critical condition at a local hospital. His daughter was in stable condition and should be OK, officials said.
Mina said there were "multiple points where the fire started." He did not say what accelerant was used.
The officers were responding around 5 a.m. to the home on Betty Street in a neighborhood off Bumby Avenue just north of East Colonial Drive for a well-being check after someone saw the post on Merritt's Facebook page, Mina said.
Sgt. Joe Capece said officers smelled smoke as soon as they got out of their squad cars. The house was dark when officers got there, but they walked around, shining flashlights inside windows. That's when they saw the smoke and the young girl struggling to get air from a small opening in a bedroom window.
Capece and Officer Mike Turner broke the glass, and officers Chris Valenti and Russell Sayer pulled the girl out. She was coughing, and covered in black soot.
Officers then saw Merritt laying on a bed.
They broke another window and dragged him outside, too.
Merritt wasn't breathing so Turner and Officer Kevin Geschke did CPR.
He started breathing just as emergency medical crews arrived and took him to the hospital, police said. Inside the house, officers also found the family's dog — a Labrador mix named Pepper — and pulled it to safety.
At first the dog was struggling to breathe.
"He must have cleared his lungs, because he just popped up and started running around," said Capece.
Animal control took custody of the dog. Capece said the officers acted quickly and efficiently. "I'm very proud of the squad and the way they worked," Capece said. "To be (quick and efficient), that's what it takes to safe lives."
Mina called their actions heroic.
Neighbor Estella Floyd watched the whole incident transpire. She said emergency crews laid Merritt on the grass outside her house and set the girl on her front step.
Floyd said Merritt, who goes by Bobby, and his daughter are always friendly and "very good people." She said Merritt has been in a wheelchair since she met him more than 20 years ago, and she sees the father-daughter duo outside almost every day.
Court records indicate Merritt and his wife, Brenda Merritt, filed for divorce in 2011 and were going through a child custody dispute.
Last week, Brenda Merritt filed a motion for an "emergency pick-up" of a child, but it was apparently denied, court records show.
The mother obviously knew that dad ROBERT MERRITT was potentially dangerous, as she tried to get the courts to give her an emergency child pick-up order, which, of course, the officials denied. This being the state of Florida, a huge fathers rights state and all.
Florida generally leads the U.S. in violent fathers with custody rights who kill children.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-man-child-injured-arson-fire-orlando-20150820-story.html
OPD: Dad allegedly wrote on Facebook he, his daughter were going to 'better place'
Man pulled from fire charged with arson, attempted murder
The man rescued from a house fire Thursday morning along with his 6-year-old daughter was charged with arson and attempted murder.
By David Harris and Stephanie Allen Staff Writer
Orange County Sheriff's Office Officers found girl pressed to window, trying to breathe in burning home
Officers pull 6-year-old girl, her unconscious father from burning home
An Orange County Sheriff's Office dispatcher allegedly wrote in a post on Facebook that he and his daughter were "going to a better place" before setting the house on fire Thursday morning with both of them inside,
Orlando Police Chief John Mina said. But before 49-year-old Robert Merritt's alleged wish could become reality, a team of Orlando police officers jumped into action to save Merritt, his 6-year-old daughter and the family dog.
Merritt, who has been a dispatcher with county since 1989, was charged with attempted murder and arson. He remains in critical condition at a local hospital. His daughter was in stable condition and should be OK, officials said.
Mina said there were "multiple points where the fire started." He did not say what accelerant was used.
The officers were responding around 5 a.m. to the home on Betty Street in a neighborhood off Bumby Avenue just north of East Colonial Drive for a well-being check after someone saw the post on Merritt's Facebook page, Mina said.
Sgt. Joe Capece said officers smelled smoke as soon as they got out of their squad cars. The house was dark when officers got there, but they walked around, shining flashlights inside windows. That's when they saw the smoke and the young girl struggling to get air from a small opening in a bedroom window.
Capece and Officer Mike Turner broke the glass, and officers Chris Valenti and Russell Sayer pulled the girl out. She was coughing, and covered in black soot.
Officers then saw Merritt laying on a bed.
They broke another window and dragged him outside, too.
Merritt wasn't breathing so Turner and Officer Kevin Geschke did CPR.
He started breathing just as emergency medical crews arrived and took him to the hospital, police said. Inside the house, officers also found the family's dog — a Labrador mix named Pepper — and pulled it to safety.
At first the dog was struggling to breathe.
"He must have cleared his lungs, because he just popped up and started running around," said Capece.
Animal control took custody of the dog. Capece said the officers acted quickly and efficiently. "I'm very proud of the squad and the way they worked," Capece said. "To be (quick and efficient), that's what it takes to safe lives."
Mina called their actions heroic.
Neighbor Estella Floyd watched the whole incident transpire. She said emergency crews laid Merritt on the grass outside her house and set the girl on her front step.
Floyd said Merritt, who goes by Bobby, and his daughter are always friendly and "very good people." She said Merritt has been in a wheelchair since she met him more than 20 years ago, and she sees the father-daughter duo outside almost every day.
Court records indicate Merritt and his wife, Brenda Merritt, filed for divorce in 2011 and were going through a child custody dispute.
Last week, Brenda Merritt filed a motion for an "emergency pick-up" of a child, but it was apparently denied, court records show.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Dad charged with abusing 40-day-old daughter (Ocala, Florida)
Dad is identified as DEVIN JOHN CHAMPAGNE.
http://www.ocala.com/article/20150821/ARTICLES/150829950/1005/sports01?p=1&tc=pg
Father charged with child abuse
By Austin L. Miller Staff writer Published: Friday, August 21, 2015 at 4:58 p.m. Last Modified: Friday, August 21, 2015 at 4:58 p.m.
OCALA – Without hesitation, Devin John Champagne said he deserves to be locked up at the Marion County Jail for abusing his infant daughter.
Champagne said the girl, Skylar Champagne, is 40 days old and that he broke her arm because he was frustrated.
“Yes, I think I should be arrested because I did it. I was trying to calm her down from her being fussy,” said the 18-year-old Champagne during an interview Friday afternoon while he was sitting on an aluminum bench at the jail.
Champagne was arrested Thursday by Marion County Sheriff's Office detective Thomas Newbanks and was charged with aggravated child abuse and child abuse.
On Friday, Champagne faced a judge via video link from the jail to the courthouse. He said his bail was set at $25,000 and that he is being represented by the Public Defender's Office.
According to Newbanks' report, the baby has six possible fractures: Three in her right leg, one in her left arm and two in her ribs.
Champagne agreed to take a polygraph, which, officials said, he failed. Champagne was then interviewed by Newbanks and admitted grabbing the baby's arm and forcefully twisting and pushing down. He said he heard a pop and realized the girl was injured. He also said that, at times, he would forcefully hold the victim's legs down, according to Newbanks' report.
Officials said they believe the fractures to the baby's legs may have come from Champagne holding her legs.
During the interview at the jail, Champagne, said he did not know why his daughter was fussing and that he had her arms folded “trying to calm her down" and "heard a pop.” He said Skylar was “never a quiet child” and has always been a “very active child.” He said any other injuries sustained by his daughter were not made by him.
Newbanks' report states that personnel at a hospital told him the injuries suffered by the child were indicative of child abuse.
Newbanks talked with the girl's mother, who said she and Champagne went out and left the child with his mother. When they got home, she said, her daughter was fine and was sleeping. She said she left the bedroom and was outside for about two to five minutes. When she came back inside, she said, Champagne told her it appeared their child was injured.
Champagne's mother told the detective that her son and the child's mother had been arguing all day and that she had gone to Wal-Mart to pick up her grandchild from its parents. She said when she got home, the child was fine. The woman said she was at the home when the child was injured and that she is the one who took her to the hospital.
Champagne said that as far as he knows, his daughter is at an Orlando hospital under the custody of the Department of Children and Families.
A DCF spokesperson confirmed Friday that the infant remains in an Orlando hospital and said she will be sheltered from Champagne. As the investigation continues, the representative said, the child may be released to her mother.
http://www.ocala.com/article/20150821/ARTICLES/150829950/1005/sports01?p=1&tc=pg
Father charged with child abuse
By Austin L. Miller Staff writer Published: Friday, August 21, 2015 at 4:58 p.m. Last Modified: Friday, August 21, 2015 at 4:58 p.m.
OCALA – Without hesitation, Devin John Champagne said he deserves to be locked up at the Marion County Jail for abusing his infant daughter.
Champagne said the girl, Skylar Champagne, is 40 days old and that he broke her arm because he was frustrated.
“Yes, I think I should be arrested because I did it. I was trying to calm her down from her being fussy,” said the 18-year-old Champagne during an interview Friday afternoon while he was sitting on an aluminum bench at the jail.
Champagne was arrested Thursday by Marion County Sheriff's Office detective Thomas Newbanks and was charged with aggravated child abuse and child abuse.
On Friday, Champagne faced a judge via video link from the jail to the courthouse. He said his bail was set at $25,000 and that he is being represented by the Public Defender's Office.
According to Newbanks' report, the baby has six possible fractures: Three in her right leg, one in her left arm and two in her ribs.
Champagne agreed to take a polygraph, which, officials said, he failed. Champagne was then interviewed by Newbanks and admitted grabbing the baby's arm and forcefully twisting and pushing down. He said he heard a pop and realized the girl was injured. He also said that, at times, he would forcefully hold the victim's legs down, according to Newbanks' report.
Officials said they believe the fractures to the baby's legs may have come from Champagne holding her legs.
During the interview at the jail, Champagne, said he did not know why his daughter was fussing and that he had her arms folded “trying to calm her down" and "heard a pop.” He said Skylar was “never a quiet child” and has always been a “very active child.” He said any other injuries sustained by his daughter were not made by him.
Newbanks' report states that personnel at a hospital told him the injuries suffered by the child were indicative of child abuse.
Newbanks talked with the girl's mother, who said she and Champagne went out and left the child with his mother. When they got home, she said, her daughter was fine and was sleeping. She said she left the bedroom and was outside for about two to five minutes. When she came back inside, she said, Champagne told her it appeared their child was injured.
Champagne's mother told the detective that her son and the child's mother had been arguing all day and that she had gone to Wal-Mart to pick up her grandchild from its parents. She said when she got home, the child was fine. The woman said she was at the home when the child was injured and that she is the one who took her to the hospital.
Champagne said that as far as he knows, his daughter is at an Orlando hospital under the custody of the Department of Children and Families.
A DCF spokesperson confirmed Friday that the infant remains in an Orlando hospital and said she will be sheltered from Champagne. As the investigation continues, the representative said, the child may be released to her mother.
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