Memphis, TN – Authorities in Tennessee say a 3-year-old boy suffered hours of torture before he was beaten to death, and a 29-year-old woman now faces first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse charges following a horrifying confession.
According to investigators, the child, Kevin Horton, was found unresponsive inside a Memphis home early Saturday morning. His father, Keith Horton, said he arrived to find his son already gone.
Keith recalled the moment in an interview with local media, saying he saw his girlfriend, Dominica Mosby, standing outside before he entered the home.
“I go in there to see my son, he’s ice cold, he’s purple,” he said. “He had been dead.”
Mosby allegedly admitted to torturing Kevin with fire, beating him repeatedly, and stomping on him with the heel of her boot — all because the child “wouldn’t lie down,” according to charging documents.
Torture Allegations Describe Hours of Abuse
Police records state that Mosby confessed to multiple acts of violence, including:
- Putting out a lit cigarette in the boy’s ear
- Burning his genitals with a lighter
- Striking him with open and closed fists
- Stomping on his stomach with her boot
The brutality described in the medical examiner’s report aligns with Mosby’s alleged confession. Officials say Kevin suffered a lacerated liver, internal bleeding, burns, and extensive bruising across his small body.
Conflicting Claims About the Child’s Condition
Mosby reportedly told investigators that Kevin had been sick and vomiting after being dropped off by his aunt earlier in the day.
But the aunt, Jasmine Reece, strongly denied that claim, saying the child was perfectly fine when she left him with Mosby on Friday morning.
“He was never sick,” Reece said. “That was just a story she told to get her story together… The whole time, he wasn’t sick.”
A GoFundMe created by Reece states that Kevin was in “perfect health” before she dropped him off and claims Mosby never contacted anyone until after the child had already died.
Father Says He Had No Warning of Danger
Kevin’s father described the shock of finding his son lifeless, noting that he never imagined such violence could occur. He told reporters that Mosby never notified him of any issue during the day, nor did she ask for help.
According to detectives, Mosby said she woke up around 3 a.m. Saturday and found the boy unresponsive. She eventually called police, who pronounced the child dead at the scene.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Following her alleged confession, Mosby was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse. She is currently being held without bond and is scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday.
Police have not released additional details about prior incidents, but the severity of Kevin’s injuries suggests that the violence may have occurred over a prolonged period.
Child Abuse in Tennessee: A Growing Concern
Cases involving young children continue to raise alarms among local agencies. Advocates stress the importance of recognizing abuse warning signs, noting that three-year-olds like Kevin are particularly vulnerable due to limited communication skills.
Common red flags of child abuse may include:
- Sudden fearfulness or withdrawal
- Unexplained bruising or burns
- Caregivers delaying or avoiding medical attention
Authorities urge anyone noticing unusual behaviour or injuries in a child to contact local law enforcement or Tennessee’s child abuse hotline.
Community Reaction and Support Efforts
In Memphis, child welfare advocates have expressed outrage over the case. Community members have begun rallying support for Kevin’s family through online donations and local vigils.
Family members say they now want justice — and answers — as they struggle with the loss of a child described as playful, affectionate, and full of life.
Kevin’s father continues to speak out, hoping the public understands the severity of what his son endured and the need for accountability.
Final Thoughts
Kevin’s death has shaken the Memphis community and raised renewed questions about child safety, reporting responsibilities, and the systems in place to protect vulnerable children. As legal proceedings move forward, the focus remains on justice for a little boy whose life was taken far too soon.
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