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Investigation Unveils Severe Child Neglect in Summerville

The investigation revealed that the parents had failed to provide the necessary sustenance for the children to thrive. This included food, water, nutrition and adequate medical care.

Chattooga County Chief Investigator Jason Burrage was alerted by Atrium Floyd Emergency Department in Rome, Georgia, on April 4, 2024, around 5:00 PM, regarding two children undergoing treatment. Upon arrival, Chief Inv. Burrage encountered two minors, aged 12 months and 23 months, exhibiting severe malnutrition and dehydration.

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The 23-month-old, weighing a mere 14 pounds—merely twice its birth weight—appeared lethargic and dangerously frail. Investigations revealed a disturbing pattern of neglect, with the parents failing to provide adequate sustenance, including food, water, nutrition, and essential medical care for their children to thrive.

Moreover, another child of the couple, aged 36 months, was found underweight while staying at a relative’s house. Subsequently, the two malnourished children under treatment at Atrium Floyd were swiftly transferred to a specialized children’s hospital for urgent medical intervention.

Tragically, the affected children were unable to meet developmental milestones, such as sitting, standing, or walking, due to their deteriorated health condition. Consequently, the parents, 22-year-old Joseph David Wilson Jr. and 22-year-old Santeria Watkins of Summerville, were arrested.

Each parent was charged with three counts of Cruelty to Children 1st degree, two counts of Cruelty to Children 2nd degree, and three counts of Contributing to the delinquency of a child. The children have since been removed from their custody and Chief Inv. Burrage continues to spearhead the ongoing investigation.

 

News Release
On April 4, 2024 at approximately 1700 hours, Chief Investigator Jason Burrage was notified by Atrium Floyd Emergency Department in Rome concerning two children that were being treated there. Chief Inv. Burrage responded to the hospital and found the two children, ages 12 months and 23 months were severely malnourished and dehydrated. The 23 month old weighed 14 lbs, only twice its birth weight, and was extremely lethargic and nearly lifeless. The investigation revealed that the parents had failed to provide the necessary sustenance for the children to thrive. This included food, water, nutrition and adequate medical care. Another one of the couples children, a 36 month old, was located at a relative’s house and was found to be underweight as well. The two children that were being treated at Atrium Floyd were quickly transferred to a children’s specialty hospital for further treatment.
The younger children weren’t able to sit, stand, walk or otherwise function as a child their age should due to their condition. The parents, 22 year old Joseph David Wilson Jr and 22 year old Santeria Watkins, both of Summerville, were charged with 3 counts each of Cruelty to Chldren 1st degree, 2 counts each of Cruelty to Children 2nd degree and 3 counts of Contributing to the delinquency of a child. The children have been removed from their custody and the investigation is being continued by Chief Inv. Burrage.
-Sheriff Mark A. Schrader

South Summerville Baptist
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1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Amy

    April 7, 2024 at 1:44 am

    There is a special place in hell for selfish individuals such as these 2 as prime example. So many unwanted babies. Sex ed… 101 don’t spread em if you don’t want em…. Just in case you missed the first few classes. Let’s refresh that memory a little! Prison in solitude confinement wearing a turtle suit is too good for these creatures. Can’t call then human so creatures it is. Rotten disgusting pathetic low life scums, that sounds about the only thing I can think to say.

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