Pensacola, Fl
A DeFuniak Springs woman and her boyfriend were arrested after MPs said they discovered torture and ill-treatment in the investigation into a child’s death.
Sierra Cauthon, 27, is charged with three counts of negligence.
Robert Kennedy Williams Jr., 33, accused of child abuse and aggravating child abuse.
According to a report by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, MPs responded to the 1400 block of Highway 183 on June 6 after a call for an unresponsive 8-year-old boy.
The deputies said that the child was transferred, but that he was later pronounced dead. Williams left before MPs arrived to avoid arrest for violating parole.
The report states that after Cowhon’s son died, her 7-year-old daughter was removed from her care. Representatives add that Williams is not the father of either child.
Williams was arrested on June 7 at DeFuniak Springs Walmart and repeatedly told the arresting officer, “I did nothing for that kid,” the report states.
During the investigation, Representatives said that Cawthon did not seek medical care for a heart condition her son was diagnosed at birth. The report states that in the past five years, none of the children went to the doctor, received vaccinations, or visited a dentist despite receiving free medical care.
The medical results from the autopsy of the 8-year-old said: “Based on the history of the heart, there is no modern medical care, and systemic bacterial infection associated with the heart condition, the results of the child protection team for medical negligence are positive. In time, he would probably be alive today. “
The medical examiner discovered that the boy’s body had multiple bruises, bald spots, oozing sores, specific bruises from some type of ligament, and discolored nails. The daughter also suffered multiple bruises all over her body and discoloration of her toenails.
Sheriff Michael Adkinson said, “No child should suffer the way these two children did.” “These accusations are the result of a diligent investigation into the truth and finding those responsible for this suffering.”
Both Cowthon and Williams are being held at Walton County Jail on bond worth $ 50,000.
