Trigger Warning: This article contains references to child abuse and murder that some readers may find distressing.
A serious case of child abuse and neglect has emerged from Kentucky’s Allen County. Deavan Williams, 22, faces wanton murder and child abuse charges after his girlfriend’s one-year-old son, Mason Moulding, choked to death under horrific conditions. The child’s mother, Alexandrae Price, also 22, faces child abuse charges.
According to investigators, Mason died after consuming parts of a soiled diaper while allegedly being subjected to horrific conditions in a home’s basement and garage.
Authorities dispatched to the residence around 10 p.m. on July 27 found a one-year-old boy unresponsive with severe trauma, including body bruising and mouth bleeding. Mason was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
According to an arrest citation filed by the Allen County Sheriff’s Office, Williams was living at the home and caring for his girlfriend, Price’s son, while she was at work. Investigators report the Mason lost consciousness in his playpen after consuming a feces-filled diaper while in Williams’ care.
“Alexandrae Renee Price and Deavan Williams have been arrested and charged with Criminal Abuse, First Degree (Victim Under 12). As the investigation progresses, additional or amended charges remain possible based on the evidence,” Scottsville Police Department said in an initial statement.
“This one-year-old child deserves a thorough, accurate, and complete investigation. We owe that to this child, the child’s family, and our community.”
“The evidence gathered during this investigation will speak for itself when it is presented through the judicial process.”
“Child abuse and neglect have no place in Allen County and will not be tolerated. We remain committed to holding those responsible accountable.”
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Williams told investigators he was the “primary caregiver and the only adult supervising [the child] during the time period immediately preceding the child’s collapse.”
On the fateful day, he had fallen asleep while watching the toddler. During his absence, the child became unresponsive. He said that he knew that Mason had been consuming parts of the “feces-filled diaper inside the playpen.” He even mentioned that he was “surprised the baby did not have parasites due to the filth.”
When the boy died on July 27, an arrest warrant noted he showed signs of “suspicious trauma, including mouth bleeding and body bruising.”
Authorities allege the couple subjected the child to severe child abuse and neglect. The infant was confined to a playpen surrounded by severe health hazards, including raw sewage, animal waste, decomposing animals, and heavy contamination that Williams admitted posed a severe risk of parasites and disease.
“A physical inspection and interviews revealed Williams knowingly subjected the child under twelve to extreme endangerment and cruel punishment, residing in an un-air-conditioned garage filled with trash, beer cans, soiled diapers, and heavy cat urine, where the infant’s playpen sat directly on the contaminated floor.”
Court records detail severe living conditions inside the home’s walkout basement, where the child was kept. According to an arrest citation filed for Price, the residence lacked running water, requiring the couple to use an outdoor garden hose to wash the boy.
Price admitted to investigators that the basement was infested with “flies and spiders.” Deputies noted that “a large amount of trash and debris” filled the living space. It also had high moisture levels, poor ventilation, and hazardous amounts of trash.
As public attention surrounding the fatal child abuse investigation continues to intensify, the Scottsville Police Department is appealing to the community for patience.
“We are still awaiting the complete Medical Examiner’s report. We appreciate the Medical Examiner’s Office and the thorough, professional work they perform in cases of this nature. Their attention to detail is important, and we appreciate the time and care they put into providing investigators with complete and accurate findings.”
“This remains a very active investigation. Detectives are awaiting returns from previously executed search warrants, additional search warrants are being prepared, witness interviews remain ongoing, and evidence continues to be reviewed as it is received. Additional charges remain possible, and we continue to consult with the Allen County Attorney’s Office and Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office throughout this investigation.”
“The preliminary hearing is currently scheduled for Wednesday at 2.00 p.m. in Allen County District Court. Court dates and times are subject to change.”
Disclaimer: The Inquisitr could not independently confirm the facts of this incident and is reporting based on the information available.
