Three Cincinnati residents are facing murder charges following the death of a 7-year-old boy discovered inside a closet at their shared residence on Thursday, according to law enforcement officials.
Kaitlin Evans, Nessa Keaney, and Kirby Rankin were arrested and charged with murder and child endangerment after police found William Evans-Ellis deceased at the Cincinnati home. The child was Evans' son.
Hamilton County officials determined that William died from blunt force trauma to the head. Investigators documented injuries covering much of the child's body and allege he was subjected to severe abuse including beatings, burns, and water torture prior to his death.
The Hamilton County coroner described the disturbing scene upon opening the closet where the child was found, stating she froze at what she witnessed. Authorities reported that the boy had been restrained with duct tape.
Legal representation for Evans has indicated that the defense believes another individual charged in the case was responsible for causing William's death. All three defendants remain in custody as the investigation continues.
A competency hearing for Rankin has been scheduled for September. The case proceeds as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the child's death and the alleged abuse he endured.
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Ava Hart
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