Part II: Questions Surround Investigation Into Death of North Carolina Toddler

With new details surrounding the death of a two-year-old toddler left in the care of a registered sex offender, both the child’s mother and the mother’s boyfriend have been indicted on criminal charges. The previous blog post details the facts surrounding the child’s death.

The mother has been charged with felony child abuse and involuntary manslaughter. The boyfriend is in jail on involuntary manslaughter, felony child abuse and failing to register as a sex offender charges. The indictment on the charges could be held as early as today, Fox News Charlotte reported.

Law enforcement officers reported that the young child had an untreated illnesses and injuries, including a broken leg, MRSA infection and an ear infection. The infection eventually went into her blood stream, police said.

The Gaston County toddler’s funeral was held Saturday. According to family members, pink roses were laid on her child-size casket. It is believed that 200 people attended the girl’s funeral.

While the mother and her boyfriend have been charged, the family of the young girl blames the mother and North Carolina’s Department of Social Services (DSS). Family members say that DSS was called numerous times about the child’s well-being.

Source: Fox Charlotte, “Mother and Sex Offender Boyfriend Expected to Be Indicted for Toddler Death,” Caryn Little, 7/31/11