Florida police said a couple will face upgraded charges after the woman’s 10-year-old son died from abuse on Friday.
Xavier Williams was hospitalized last month with extensive injuries, including burns and bruises. Tavares police told WFTV that his mother and her boyfriend, Kimberley Mills, 37, and Andre Walker, 36, are charged with second-degree murder following Williams’ death.
According to Tavares police detective Doug Roberts, Williams’ younger brother said Mills and Walker dropped weights on Williams and duct-taped him to a ladder with his arms over his head. The younger boy claimed he was subjected to the same abuse, WESH reported.
Roberts said Williams had internal bleeding in his stomach area and raccoon eyes which were consistent with possible head trauma.
Mills and Walker were arrested on child abuse charges in February when Williams was sent to the hospital while in cardiac arrest.
According to WKMG, Mills and Walker left the hospital to clean their house. Roberts alleged that a search of the home uncovered a copper wire which they believe was used to beat the boys.
WFTV reported that Walker waived Monday’s planned arraignment hearing, while Mills’ hearing was canceled. They remain jailed without bond.
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