A Moss Point, Mississippi man is now charged with capital murder in the death of a toddler after the child died earlier this month.
27-year-old James Garland Ward was arrested on Thursday and charged in the toddler’s death.
According to Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Ward brought the 20-month-old girl to Singing River Hospital on June 3. The child was unresponsive and was flown to Ochsner’s Hospital in New Orleans, where she later died as a result of her injuries.
Further investigation and medical records led investigators to arrest and charge Ward with the child’s murder. He is now being held at Jackson County Adult Detention Center. He is scheduled to have an initial appearance at 1:30pm on Friday.
Similar: Mother Faints During First Appearance in Death of 6-Year-old Georgia Boy
Ward, along with another man, were previously charged with capital murder in 2018 after the victim’s body was found behind Ed Mayo Junior High in Moss Point. According to the district attorney’s office, both men received a No True Bill from the grand jury, which means neither of them were indicted on the capital murder charge.
Also, the child’s mother 27-year-old Taranekia Marie Amerson was arrested and charged with hindering prosecution. Amerson had an initial appearance in County Court Friday, where County Court Judge Mark Watts set her bail at $10,000 with a hold for MDOC.
Follow Illicit Deeds on Facebook for more stories.
Tell us your thoughts...