James Mauldin, Jasmine Dawkins arrested in child death

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January 2, 2012 - 07:42 pm

A man and woman are in custody following the death of a three-year-old boy.

James Mauldin and Jasmine Dawkins

Officers arrested James Mauldin, 20, and his live-in girlfriend, Jasmine Dawkins, both of whom are from Martinsburg, W. Va.

Kaiwon Connelly, 3, had been staying with Mauldin, his father, since Thanksgiving. His mother lives in Prince George's County.

On Saturday night, Mauldin called 911 to report that he thought his son was choking.

Kaiwon suffered injuries and died early Sunday at Children's Hospital, according to officials.

Police say the boy suffered a fractured skull and burns to his legs and buttocks.

The boy's body had old scars and old marks, as well.

Mauldin is charged with felony child abuse and neglect while Dawkins is charged with child neglect. Both are being held at the Eastern Regional Jail outside Martinsburg.

Police say there is no evidence Dawkins abused Kaiwon, but because she didn't report the abuse, she too could be charged with his death.

The couple also had a 3-month-old baby who was not injured and is now in the care of Mauldin's father.

 

 

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