A 10-year-old boy in Florida has died after allegedly suffering “unimaginable abuse” at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend, authorities have said.
On Saturday, March 22, the Tavares Police Department confirmed in a Facebook post that Xavier Williams, “a beloved 10-year-old boy who touched the hearts of many,” had died. Officers said in a previous post that he’d died the day prior.
“With profound sorrow, the Tavares Police Department announces the tragic passing of a 10-year-old boy, a victim of unimaginable abuse and neglect at the hands of those who were meant to care for him,” police stated, per the post.
“This innocent child’s life was marked by unspeakable suffering, and his loss has deeply shaken our community and everyone involved in this case,” the message continued.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to securing justice for this child and ensuring accountability for the heinous acts committed,” officers added, writing that police were “working closely with the State Attorney’s Office to enhance the charges against Kimberley Mills and Andre Walker.”
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to all who mourn this irreplaceable loss,” police concluded in the Facebook post.
A GoFundMe page set up by the victim’s aunt to help the family financially confirmed Xavier had taken “his last breath” at 5:18 p.m. local time on Friday after he “suffered unspeakable abuse from his mother and her boyfriend.”
Police previously confirmed that on Feb. 22 the team had “responded to Advent Health Waterman, a local hospital, in reference to a juvenile male that appeared to have several injuries consistent with physical abuse,” per a Facebook statement.
Hospital staff told officers that the victim was “covered with bruises in various stages of healing, burn marks and other injuries,” according to the post, which stated that the suspects had taken the victim to the hospital, but left after learning that law enforcement was on its way.
Police said in another post on March 19 that the boy had been “beaten and tortured by his mother and her boyfriend.”
According to local NBC-affiliated station WFLA, police previously uncovered items including duct tape, a six-foot ladder and a 10-pound weight which had reportedly been used to restrain and inflict harm on the victim. Weights had reportedly been dropped on the boy’s exposed stomach, the outlet added, citing police. Xavier’s younger brother told officers he and his sibling suffered “unspeakable torment,” the station stated.
In a separate Facebook post, while identifying the victim on March 22, police confirmed that a candlelit vigil would be taking place on Saturday, March 29, at 7 p.m. at Wooton Park in Downtown Tavares to honor Xavier’s life.
“Xavier’s family warmly invites everyone in our community to join them in this moment of remembrance and gratitude for your overwhelming support during this time. Let us come together to show our love, compassion, and solidarity as we celebrate Xavier’s life and the joy he brought to those around him,” officers wrote, adding links to the Tavares Police Charity link, as well as the family’s GoFundMe page.
Police told those attending to consider wearing blue, which was Xavier’s favorite color.
On Feb. 28, while the victim remained in critical condition, police confirmed on Facebook that Mills was facing two counts of aggravated child abuse, two counts of child neglect, two counts of accessory to aggravated child abuse and one count of tampering with evidence. Meanwhile, Walker is facing charges of two counts of aggravated child abuse, two counts of accessory to aggravated child abuse and one count of tampering with evidence.
“In the event he does not make it, we are prepared to add enhanced charges,” police said of the charges at the time.
Xavier’s family’s GoFundMe had raised just over $12,900 as of Monday, March 24.
Horrific. Both need the death penalty.
These parents should not be allowed to walk
Why are persons utilizing this type of anguish on a child? There so many persons who would to have a child that it is a crime not to make adoption possible for persons who would welcome a child so such as this one. May God have mercy on their souls.
Ann Stirling MBA
Where have you been, our children have been abused for many years, by parents, school teachers, priest, police, judges, and politicians
So … this family who has set up a go fund me account to “help the family financially” … where in the hell were they when all those children were being abused? Apparently not around or they’d have seen evidence of abuse. So now they want money? What family do they intend to help? To the devil — every single one who participated or did nothing to help (until they saw dollar marks)!