Live Oak, FL – A 33-year-old mother and her boyfriend have been charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child after the woman’s 2-year-old son was found dead with severe bruises, head trauma, and scars resembling cigarette burns, according to the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office.
The Incident: Toddler Found Unresponsive at Home
Deputies responded to a medical emergency on October 13 at a residence in the 22000 block of 128th Path in Live Oak, Florida. At around 3:06 p.m., Christian Parnell called 911 to report that her toddler was “unresponsive” and CPR was being performed.
When first responders arrived, they took over life-saving efforts before rushing the child to a nearby hospital. Despite their attempts, the 2-year-old was pronounced dead at 4:10 p.m., authorities said.
Emergency medical personnel noted “abnormal swelling to his head, multiple bruises on the legs and groin, and scars similar to cigarette burns.” The injuries immediately raised suspicion of abuse and neglect, leading detectives to open a homicide investigation.
Investigation and Evidence: Injuries Inconsistent with Parents’ Story
According to a probable cause affidavit, Parnell told detectives her son had suffered a head and mouth injury after falling off a bed while playing with her boyfriend Curtis David Willey’s 4-year-old son on October 4. She said she was not home at the time and learned about the incident from Willey.
“Parnell cited that the injury did not immediately seem severe, only causing slight bruising and swelling,” investigators wrote.
However, she admitted that by October 11, the boy’s head began to swell, and he appeared lethargic, discolored, and without appetite. Despite these signs, Parnell confessed she did not seek medical attention or allow him to attend daycare because she “couldn’t explain the graphic nature of his injuries.”
When questioned, Willey told detectives a similar story, saying he was in another room when he heard a loud noise that sounded like “someone hitting metal.” He claimed he entered the room to find the toddler bleeding from the mouth and swelling on his forehead but insisted the child seemed fine afterward.
“The extent of the injuries displayed on [the victim] were not consistent with the events described by Parnell nor Willey,” the affidavit stated.
Detectives concluded that both adults “grossly and flagrantly disregarded the medical needs” of the child, allowing his condition to worsen until it became fatal.
Court Proceedings and Charges
On October 15, both Parnell and Willey were arrested and charged with one count each of aggravated manslaughter of a child, a first-degree felony in Florida.
If convicted, they each face up to 30 years in state prison. Authorities said the pair acted as custodial caregivers for the toddler and knowingly failed to seek medical help despite visible and severe injuries.
Investigators added that both defendants were aware—or should have been aware—of the danger their inaction posed, emphasizing that their neglect directly led to the child’s death.
“Their actions and failure to obtain medical care resulted in the tragic and preventable death of a 2-year-old,” said a spokesperson from the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office.
Statements and Reaction from Officials
Following the arrests, the sheriff’s office released a statement condemning the couple’s neglect and confirming that additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
Both Parnell and Willey are being held without bond at the Suwannee County Jail, court records show. It was not immediately clear when they would next appear in court.
Authorities have not revealed whether child protective services were previously involved with the family or if there were prior reports of abuse.
Background and Context: Florida’s Child Abuse Laws
Under Florida Statute 782.07, aggravated manslaughter of a child occurs when a caregiver’s reckless actions—or failure to act—lead to a child’s death. The charge is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The case has reignited public discussion about child welfare oversight and the responsibility of caregivers to report or seek medical care for visible injuries. Experts say this tragedy underscores the importance of early intervention and community vigilance when signs of abuse appear.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
As the investigation continues, detectives are reviewing medical evidence and interviewing witnesses to determine when and how the child sustained his injuries. Forensic specialists are also examining the pattern of burn marks and bruising to determine whether they indicate prolonged abuse.
Prosecutors are expected to decide in the coming weeks whether to upgrade the charges to include additional counts of child abuse or neglect.
Conclusion
The death of the 2-year-old boy has devastated the Live Oak community and raised questions about why medical care was never sought despite visible signs of trauma. As Christian Parnell and Curtis David Willey await trial, authorities say they are committed to ensuring justice for a child who suffered in silence and whose life ended far too soon.
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