2-year-old died after dad allegedly isolated him in room near space heater: ‘elevated temperature’

A North Carolina father faces criminal charges after authorities say he left his child isolated in a room with a heater for more than 12 hours, leading to his death.

Aaron Lynwood Carter, 27, is charged with one felony count of manslaughter and one count of child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury in connection with the death of 2-year-old River Carter, according to prosecutors. statement from the Moore County Sheriff’s Office.

On December 2, 2023, deputies responded to a home in West End, North Carolina, where they found a dead child.

The statement says investigators believe the child was exposed to “elevated temperatures” before her death. They said the child remained isolated in a room with a heater for more than 12 hours.

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Authorities said they arrested Aaron, the child’s father, on Jan. 7 after “carefully reviewing the medical examiner’s findings.”

According to the sheriff’s office, Aaron is being held at the Moore County Detention Center on $500,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 9.

It is unclear whether he has filed an appeal or hired a lawyer to act 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 visit www.childhelp.org. All calls are free and confidential. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in over 170 languages.

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