N.C. man arrested after preschool-aged child dies, 2 others hospitalized

KINSTON, N.C. (TCD) -- Deputies arrested a 28-year-old man this week after a preschool-aged child died and two other children were treated at a hospital.

According to a news release from the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, on Monday, July 3, shortly before 7 a.m., Lenoir County EMS, the Sandy Bottom Volunteer Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a home on the 700 block of Garland Avenue. At the scene, officials performed lifesaving measures on a young child, but the victim died at the scene.

Officials removed two additional preschool-aged children from the home and transported them to University of North Carolina Lenoir Health Care, where they underwent evaluation and treatment.

The Lenoir County Department of Social Services also responded to the residence and launched an investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office arrested Chason Walker of the same home address and booked him into the Lenoir County Jail on three counts of felony negligent child abuse and/or neglect. The Sheriff’s Office noted he also had an outstanding warrant for felony larceny.

The Sheriff’s Office did not disclose Walker’s relationship to the three victims.

The Office of the State Medical Examiner will determine the deceased child’s cause and manner of death.

The investigation is ongoing.

MORE:

• A preschool-aged child has died and a Kingston man is in jail — Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office