Florida police reported that a couple will face upgraded charges following the tragic death of a 10-year-old boy, Xavier Williams, who succumbed to abuse on Friday.
Xavier Williams was hospitalized last month with severe injuries, including burns and bruises. Tavares police announced that his mother, Kimberley Mills, 37, and her boyfriend, Andre Walker, 36, are now charged with second-degree murder following Williams’ death.
According to Tavares police detective Doug Roberts, Williams’ younger brother reported that Mills and Walker subjected Williams to horrific abuse such as dropping weights on him and duct-taping him to a ladder with his arms raised. The younger boy alleged that he experienced similar abuse, as reported by WESH.
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Roberts further indicated that Williams had internal bleeding in his stomach and significant bruising around his eyes, suggesting possible head trauma.
Mills and Walker were initially arrested on child abuse charges in February when Williams was brought to the hospital in cardiac arrest.
As reported by WKMG, Mills and Walker left the hospital to clean their home, where a subsequent search revealed a copper wire believed to have been used to inflict harm on the boys.
WFTV noted that Walker waived his arraignment hearing scheduled for Monday, while Mills’ hearing was canceled. Both remain in jail without bond.
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