Mother, stepfather arrested after 7-year-old NC boy found dead in home

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Police in Fayetteville have arrested a mother and stepfather in the death of a 7-year-old child.

Fayetteville police said 24-year-old Evie Loretta Bates and 23-year-old Saint Michael Edwards are each charged with felony intentional child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury.

A news release from the police department said police were called to the family’s home before dawn on Wednesday and found the child, Eathan Bates, dead.

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According to search warrants, Eathan had bruises from his head to his toes and had broken bones in his hands.

Search warrants show a family member came to visit from New York and confronted them about the abuse. The couple then threatened that family member with a machete, the warrants said.

According to our sister station WTVD, a teacher noted that the boy missed three days of school before he was found dead. She also reported to police that she saw signs of abuse.

Bates and Edwards were charged on Wednesday, and police say more charges could be filed after an autopsy is performed.

Associated Press