WIXOM (WWJ) -- An Oakland County man has been charged with first degree child abuse in connection with the death of a 4-year-old boy.
On Saturday, March 5, Wixom Police and Fire Departments arrived at 30735 Beechwood Street to render aid to Jaice Dupont who was said to be unconscious with shallow breathing.
He was transported that afternoon to a local hospital where he was then transferred to Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the boy had life-threatening injuries to his skull.
Police say 30-year-old Deangelo Hawkins was alone with Jaice, his girlfriend's son, when the alleged abuse happened.
Wixom investigators arrested Hawkins that same day based on suspicion of child abuse.
Related
After reviewing the investigation, the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office prepared a one-count warrant for Hawkins on first-degree child abuse.
Wixom Police Chief Ron Moore said that despite of all the life-saving treatment the boy received, he sadly died on Thursday afternoon.
"It's devastating," Chief Moore said. "Our hearts ache for little Jaice's mom, and for those who loved him. It's tough, but not it's important that we get justice for this little guy."
Related
Hawkins was arraigned Thursday and is being held on a $1 million bond at the Oakland County Jail.
On light of the child's death, Moore said he anticipates that the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office will revisit the initial child abuse charge against Hawkins.