A Florida couple has been charged for the brutal death of a 10-year-old boy, Xavier Williams, who, according to police, suffered an "unimaginable abuse". Kimberley Mills, the boy's mother, and Andrew Walker, Kimberley's boyfriend, have been charged with second-degree murder.
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According to WFLA, Mills and Walker arrived at a Tavares hospital and left Xavier there on February 22. Reportedly, both of them fled once medical staff alerted police officers. They had found 10-year-old Xavier Williams with bruises and burn marks on his body, and he went into cardiac arrest at Advent Health Waterman.
Later, Mills returned alongside Xavier's younger sibling. The sibling told detectives about the disturbing nature of the alleged abuse both he and his brother had sustained. Police then would find items at Mills's and Williams's residence such as duct tape, a six-foot ladder, and 19-pound tape. As per WFLA, these items were used to restrain the 10-year-old. The weight was then allegedly used to hurt Xavier on his exposed stomach.
'Unimaginable Abuse'
Photos shared by police at the time showed clothing items belonging to Xavier that had duct tape. Red sweatshirts had duct tape around the arms while some gray sweatpants had duct tape around the ankles. These items were found in a trash bin. Police believe, as per WKMG, that Mills and Walker left the hospital to clean up the scene before police arrived.
One month after the incident, the Tavares Police Department
confirmed via Facebook that Xavier Mills succumbed to his injuries on Friday, March 21."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," the police department wrote in a 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."
Originally, the couple was arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse. Since Xavier passed, however, Kimberley Mills and Andrew Walker were charged with second-degree murder.
A GoFundMe was set up by Xavier's aunt, Cameli Williams. All funds raised will go toward Xavier's father, who will pay for Xavier's medical and funeral expenses.
