A North Carolina father is facing criminal charges after authorities say he left his child alone in a room with a space heater for over 12 hours, resulting in his death.
The Moore County Sheriff’s Office has charged Aaron Lynwood Carter, 27, with felony involuntary manslaughter and felony child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury for the death of 2-year-old River Carter.
On December 2, 2023, deputies responded to a distress call at a home in West End, North Carolina, and discovered the toddler dead.
According to the statement, investigators believe the child died as a result of “elevated temperatures”. They stated that the child had been isolated in a room with a space heater for more than 12 hours.
Authorities said Aaron, the child’s father, was arrested on January 7 after “thoroughly reviewing the medical examiner’s findings.”
Aaron is being held at the Moore County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond, according to the sheriff’s office. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 9.
It’s unclear whether he’s entered a plea or hired an attorney to speak on his behalf.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
