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Celina man charged in connection with local infant's death |
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Saturday, 17 January 2009 |
By MIKE BURKHOLDER
Managing Editor
CELINA — A Celina man is being held on charges stemming from the death of an 11-month-old infant.
Jason C. Thomas, 25, 119 Garman Ave., is being held on $1 million bond on charges of felonious assault, a second-degree felony, and reckless homicide, a third-degree felony, in the death of Kole Atkins, of St. Marys. Thomas appeared in Celina Municipal Court Friday afternoon following an investigation conducted by members of the Celina Police Department. Atkins is the son of Sydney Stienecker and James Matthew Atkins, both of 608 Jay St., St. Marys.
According to a news release, officers and members of the Celina Rescue Squad responded to a call regarding a child who was unresponsive at 119 Garman Ave., at 7:17 p.m. Wednesday. The infant was transported to Coldwater hospital and then transferred to Children's Medical Center in Dayton. Investigators, through information gathered at the hospitals, believed abuse may have been involved and the reason the infant suffered the injuries.
Officers contacted family members Wednesday night and on Thursday, traveled to Children's Medical Center to interview family and talk to medical personnel about the injuries to Atkins.
Atkins, who died Friday morning, suffered severe trauma to his head, body and extremities. He also suffered broken bones and brain injuries. An autopsy, conducted by the Montgomery County Coroner's Office, and forensic evidence pointed to the fact that abuse played a role in Atkins' death.
Thomas reportedly was the caretaker in charge of Atkins at the time of his injuries as well as at the time of the emergency call. Officers took Thomas into custody late Thursday night on a preliminary charge of felonious assault.
Before being taken into custody Thursday, Sue Thomas, Thomas' mother, contacted police regarding her son. Sue Thomas told officers her son was distraught about allegations regarding his involvement in Atkins' death and she feared he may harm himself.
Family members located Thomas at Swamp College Cemetery, where a family member is buried. Thomas reportedly threatened to harm himself with a knife. Officers arrived on the scene and took Thomas to Coldwater Hospital. After medical treatment and a mental health evaluation, Thomas was released. He was interviewed and taken into custody. Thomas is being held in the Mercer County Jail.
Funeral rites for Atkins are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at the First United Church of Christ in New Knoxville. Burial will follow at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Heritage Room of the First United Church of Christ. Online condolences may be submitted at www.millerfuneralhomes.net. Memorial donations may be directed to the Ronald McDonald House at Children's Medical Center in Dayton.
A full obituary for Atkins is on page A3 in Monday's edition of The Evening Leader. |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 21 January 2009 )
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