Search Results for: second-degree assault

Couple sentenced after 6-year-old boy dies from abusive punishment

Ellenwood, GA

Less Thompson, Jr. has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of 6-year-old Jacob Williams. Deshante LaShawn Beard received a 30-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

The verdict comes after a jury found Thompson guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault, and first-degree child cruelty. Prosecutors reported that Jacob was subjected to physical punishment by Thompson and Beard for wetting the bed.

On June 13, 2021, after wetting the bed again, Jacob was forced to run laps and do pushups. When he expressed fatigue, he was beaten, leading to his collapse.

After a four-hour delay, Thompson and Beard called 911. Paramedics transported Jacob to a hospital, where he ultimately died from brain swelling.

Jacob had significant bruising, a broken arm, and severe head trauma. A neighbor witnessed Thompson screaming while holding Jacob, who showed no signs of life.

Henry County District Attorney Darius Pattillo described the event as a terrible crime. He stated that a child’s life was taken by those meant to protect him.

Man bludgeons co-worker to death with sledgehammer after grudge

Cokato, MN A man is charged with second-degree murder following the fatal assault of a 20-year-old female co-worker. David Delong, 40, is accused of killing Amber Czech with a sledgehammer at the Advanced Process Technologies building early Tuesday morning.

Surveillance footage shows Delong leaving his workstation and approaching Czech’s station before striking her. He is alleged to have swung the sledgehammer multiple times.

According to the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, Delong confessed to the act, stating he had intended to kill Czech. He reportedly admitted to harboring resentment towards her.

First responders arrived to find Czech deceased on the floor, suffering from severe head trauma and blood loss. A bloody sledgehammer was located near her.

A witness reported that Delong mentioned hitting her with a hammer, indicating Czech’s location. Delong quickly became a suspect in the investigation.

Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes is reviewing the case, with consideration of elevating the charges to first-degree murder. Delong faces up to 40 years in prison and is scheduled for an initial court appearance on November 24.