A Kentucky couple has been arrested after their 1-year-old son died from choking on a feces-contaminated diaper, according to authorities. Deavan Williams, 22, faces murder charges, while the infant’s mother, Alexandrae Price, 22, is charged with child abuse.
Allen County District Court documents state that Williams was the sole adult supervising the child on July 27 when the toddler ingested parts of a soiled diaper. The child was transported to a hospital that night, where medical staff observed suspicious trauma, including bleeding in the mouth and bruising on the body.
During a police interview, Williams admitted to knowing the infant had previously consumed feces-filled diapers. He claimed he was asleep at the time of the fatal incident. Authorities investigating the couple's residence found the child had been kept in conditions deemed a severe health threat.
According to a police citation, investigators discovered Williams had knowingly subjected the child to extreme endangerment and cruel punishment. The infant's playpen was situated directly on the floor of an un-air-conditioned garage filled with trash, beer cans, soiled diapers, and cat urine. The court documents also noted the presence of animal feces, raw sewage, decomposing animals, and other hazardous materials within the playpen area. The living area reportedly had flies, spiders, high moisture levels, and poor ventilation.
Williams and Price reportedly admitted to bathing the child with an outdoor hose and expressed surprise that the infant did not have parasites given the environment. Court documents also indicate Williams fed the child extremely spicy foods, despite Price’s objections, and acknowledged the child routinely consumed diapers and other unsafe objects.
Both Williams and Price are being held at the Allen County Detention Center. They are scheduled to appear in Allen County District Court on August 12.