Two people have been arrested in connection with the death of a 3-year-old boy and alleged abuse of a 1-year-old boy, according to a press release from the Chattanooga Police Department.
Janecia McKevie, 21, and a 17-year-old are both charged with two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of aggravated child abuse. The 17-year-old is in custody at the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center, and McKevie is being held at the Hamilton County Jail.
Around 9:10 a.m. Thursday, officers responded to a report of an unresponsive 3-year-old drowning victim at an apartment in the 2300 block of Wilson Street. Upon arrival, officers found the child and, along with Chattanooga Fire Department personnel, began rendering life-saving measures until the Hamilton County Emergency Medical Service took him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Chattanooga police Homicide Unit took over the investigation with assistance from the Crime Scene Unit and Special Victims Unit. At the hospital, investigators observed clear signs of abuse on the 3-year-old and learned the 1-year-old had also suffered multiple major injuries, authorities said.
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office / Janecia McKevie
During interviews, the 17-year-old admitted to abusing both children, the press release said. McKevie admitted she was aware of the abuse and failed to report it.
The surviving victim remains hospitalized and Child Protective Services has been notified, according to the press release.
Police said this information is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation continues. Chattanooga police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call 423-698-2525.
— Compiled by Lew Gilliland
Staff photo by Matt Hamilton / A block of cells in the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center is pictured on Aug. 13, 2024. Two people are in custody in connection with the death of a 3-year-old and alleged abuse of a 1-year-old.
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