Allen County, Kentucky — A Kentucky toddler’s final days have become the center of a disturbing criminal investigation after authorities accused his mother’s boyfriend of subjecting him to extreme neglect and dangerous living conditions before the 1-year-old died.
According to an arrest warrant, investigators say the boy was left for extended periods in a playpen surrounded by trash, animal waste, soiled diapers and other hazardous conditions. The child’s mother is also facing criminal charges in connection with the alleged neglect.
Boy Was Allegedly Left in Dangerous Living Conditions
Deavan Williams, 22, has been charged with wanton murder and first-degree child abuse of a child under 12 in connection with the boy’s death.
The child’s mother, Alexandrae Price, 22, is facing a child abuse charge, according to court records.
Police allege Price frequently left her son in Williams’ care while she went to work.
The arrest warrant states that the child was kept in a basement reportedly filled with flies and spiders and an un-air-conditioned garage containing trash, beer cans, soiled diapers and heavy cat urine.
Investigators said the child’s playpen was positioned directly on the contaminated garage floor.
Police Say Toddler Choked on Contaminated Diaper
According to the warrant, Williams told investigators he had been the child’s primary caregiver and the only adult supervising him immediately before his collapse.
Williams allegedly told police that he fell asleep while caring for the boy. Authorities say the child subsequently consumed portions of a feces-contaminated diaper and choked.
The boy died on July 27 after suffering what authorities described as suspicious trauma, including mouth bleeding and bruising on his body.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding his death.
Investigators Describe Severe Neglect Allegations
The arrest warrant contains numerous allegations concerning the conditions in which the child was reportedly living. Police allege Williams knowingly subjected the toddler to extreme endangerment and cruel punishment.
Among the allegations is that Williams intentionally gave the child extremely spicy food, despite Price allegedly telling him to stop.
Investigators also said Williams acknowledged bathing the child outside with a garden hose.
According to the warrant, Williams reportedly told police he was surprised the toddler had not developed parasites because of the conditions surrounding him.
Mother Allegedly Acknowledged Conditions
Investigators also questioned Price about the environment where her son was being kept. According to the arrest warrant, Price acknowledged that the living area had flies and spiders.
Police said they also found large amounts of trash and debris, along with high moisture levels and poor ventilation that created additional health concerns.
The warrant states that the child’s playpen was surrounded by conditions involving animal urine, animal feces, raw sewage, decomposing animals and other potentially hazardous materials.
Authorities allege the environment presented significant risks to the toddler’s health and safety.
Both Defendants Face Court Proceedings
Williams and Price are scheduled to appear for preliminary hearings Wednesday in Allen County District Court.
The hearings are expected to address the allegations and determine how the criminal cases will proceed.
The charges are serious, but the allegations contained in the arrest warrant have not been proven in court. Both defendants are entitled to due process as the investigation and legal proceedings continue.
The child’s death has left investigators examining not only the immediate circumstances of his collapse but also the broader allegations concerning the conditions in which he allegedly lived.
What do you think should happen in cases involving severe child neglect?
Should caregivers face stronger penalties when authorities allege that a child was repeatedly exposed to dangerous living conditions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
