A Cincinnati mother and two transgender women are facing murder and child endangerment charges in the death of a 7-year-old boy who authorities say was tortured for more than two months. William Evans, who had a mental disability, was found dead in a home in Oakley on Thursday.
Prosecutors allege that Kaitlin Evans, 38, Nessa Keaney, 23, and Kirby Rankin, 23, co-parented the child and subjected him to abuse. Investigators stated that evidence suggests the abuse lasted for over two months, culminating in the boy being found bound and duct-taped in a closet.
Medical examiners indicated the child suffered visible injuries, including signs of physical beatings, impact injuries to the back of his head, and burns consistent with waterboarding. An autopsy is pending.
Despite the alleged abuse of the child, prosecutors noted that the trio reportedly took their pet dog for vaccinations the day before William's death. Detective, who has two decades of experience, described the case as one of the most disturbing examples of child abuse he has encountered.
During a court arraignment, attorneys for the accused presented various defenses. Kaitlin Evans' attorney claimed she did not cause her son's death but failed to save him. Keaney's lawyer stated she failed to administer treatment for injuries allegedly caused by someone else. Rankin's attorney requested an evaluation, citing documented mental health issues, and a detective indicated Rankin disclosed her own involvement and implicated the other two.
Prosecutors requested high bonds for all three defendants, citing the severity of the charges and the risk of flight. The judge ultimately set bonds at $1 million for the murder charge and additional secured amounts for the child endangerment charges for Keaney and Rankin. Evans' bond was set at $1 million for murder and $500,000 for child endangerment.
The victim's other biological parent, who was not identified, addressed Evans in court, saying, "I trusted you," and claimed William had been kept from them due to lies. The biological mother of the child has been identified as Kaitlin Evans. Keaney and Rankin are biological males. The trio are scheduled to return to court on August 17.