Prosecutors allege a Brooklyn mother and her boyfriend caused the death of 3-year-old Kyng Davis through repeated abuse, neglect, starvation, and dehydration.
A Brooklyn mother and her boyfriend have been indicted on murder and other charges in connection with the death of her 3-year-old son, whose alleged cause of death was determined to be child abuse, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced that Sunshyne Davis, 25, and Robert White, 39, were charged in an indictment alleging the child suffered blunt force trauma, neglect, starvation, and dehydration before his death.
Child’s death ruled abuse by medical examiner
According to prosecutors, Kyng Davis was brought to SUNY Downstate Medical Center in East Flatbush on March 9, 2025, at approximately 11:25 a.m.
Investigators allege the defendants dropped off the child’s body at the hospital before leaving the facility. Following an autopsy, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the child’s death a homicide caused by child abuse.
“After an autopsy, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the child’s death to be child abuse, which included blunt force trauma and neglect with starvation and dehydration,” prosecutors said.
Defendants charged with murder and manslaughter
Davis was arraigned Wednesday before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo on an indictment charging second-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and endangering the welfare of a child.
She was ordered held without bail and is scheduled to return to court on July 31.
White is expected to be arraigned at a later date. Prosecutors noted that he has remained in custody since March 2025 after being arrested on a second-degree assault charge for allegedly striking the child repeatedly in the face.
The new indictment supersedes that earlier assault charge.
Prosecutor calls allegations heartbreaking
“This innocent child allegedly suffered day after day, denied the most basic care and compassion,” District Attorney Gonzalez said.
“Instead of safeguarding Kyng Davis, the defendants are accused of inflicting the very harm that led to his death. We will vigorously prosecute this case to secure justice for Kyng and ensure accountability for this devastating tragedy.”
The investigation was conducted by detectives with the New York City Police Department. Prosecutors emphasized that the charges are accusations and that both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Key Points
• A Brooklyn mother and her boyfriend were indicted on murder and related charges in the death of 3-year-old Kyng Davis.
• The medical examiner ruled the child’s death was caused by child abuse, including blunt force trauma, starvation, dehydration, and neglect.
• Sunshyne Davis was ordered held without bail, while Robert White remains in custody awaiting arraignment.