Guilty verdict on all counts in 2019 death of toddler

EVANS, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A jury discovered the boyfriend of a mom responsible of all counts within the 2019 homicide of her practically 2-year-old son in Columbia County.

“We, the jury, discover the defendant as to Rely 1, malice homicide, responsible. Rely 2, felony homicide based mostly on aggravated assault, responsible. Rely 3, felony homicide based mostly on cruelty to kids within the first diploma, responsible. Rely 4, aggravated assault, responsible. Rely 5, cruelty to kids within the first diploma, responsible.”

Jurors on Friday morning started contemplating a number of fees towards Charles Sconyers, an Augusta firefighter arrested in reference to the Might 2019 homicide of Lincoln DaVitte simply shy of the boy’s second birthday.

It was a sense of disbelief because the clerk of courtroom delivered the responsible verdict. Sconyers was put in handcuffs instantly.

Fees being thought-about within the loss of life included malice homicide, two counts of felony homicide, two counts of aggravated assault, and cruelty to kids within the first diploma.

Sentencing instantly adopted the decision.

J. Wade Padgett, decide mentioned: “The jury’s verdict of responsible relative to malice homicide. I sentence the defendant to life in jail with the potential for parole.”

The decide gave Sconyers an opportunity to speak after the decision was learn.

“I really feel horrible about what occurred to Lincoln, however I didn’t do that, and I stand to this present day and say that,” Sconyers mentioned. “This isn’t proper. This isn’t justice.”

Sconyers will serve life in jail with the potential for parole for malice homicide cost, 20 years in confinement for aggravated assault, and 20 years in confinement for youngster cruelty. All the sentences are concurrent.

There’s no sentence for the felony homicide counts as a result of regardless that he was discovered responsible, that’s a cost that not applies as soon as there’s a responsible verdict of malice homicide.

Earlier than the case went to the jury, the prosecution on Friday rested its rebuttal a day after Sconyers took the stand for about an hour of testimony.

A protection lawyer requested Thursday if Sconyers had harm Lincoln.

“No, sir. … I might by no means … I’d by no means harm any youngster,” Sconyers answered.

Apparently, jurors disagreed.

Lincoln’s grandmother and father stood in entrance of the room saying they want no mercy on Sconyers.

Throughout closing arguments, Assistant District Legal professional Natalie Paine spoke in regards to the defendant’s character.

“No one has a report till they do for the primary time. It doesn’t imply they haven’t achieved it earlier than. It simply means they haven’t been caught.”

She says this verdict means closure for one household.

“Lincoln deserves justice, and there is just one verdict that speaks justice. That speaks the reality,” mentioned Paine.

EARLIER COVERAGE:

The protection continued with a number of witnesses together with household, associates and medical professionals.

Sconyers: “Finally, he grew to become my son.”

Protection lawyer: “And also you considered him that manner?”

Sconyers: “I considered him that manner.”

On day 4 of the trial, Sconyers gave an emotional testimony, breaking down what he says occurred on Might 1, 2019.

It began with selecting Lincoln up from day care.

“He got here up, and he was tearing up slightly bit. I figured he was simply unhappy as a result of he didn’t like to depart his associates loads,” he mentioned.

Sconyers says they headed dwelling. They had been going to play exterior after they obtained dwelling. He says he opened the again door and went into the lavatory to regulate his knee brace.

“He was proper behind me standing there, and I mentioned I’d be there in a minute, and I pushed the door shut, and he took off operating. Just a few seconds later, I hear him operating, and that’s once I heard the thump,” he mentioned.

Sconyers says he heard a kind of scream, after which it was quiet.

“I discovered him within the again laying on the again patio, and he was laying like this, and he turned his head just a bit bit, after which he went out of it,” he mentioned.

He says he stabilized his neck and known as 911. He advised paramedics who he was and was making an attempt to assist.

Protection lawyer: “How usually do you concentrate on this?”

Sconyers: “On daily basis, each night time, I relive it. I simply want there was one thing I might do. I did the whole lot I might probably do to assist him.”

He says he would by no means do something like this to anybody.or any youngster.”

The protection rested its case after one final query.

Protection lawyer: “Are you telling the reality this afternoon?”

Sconyers: “Sure. I swear to God.”

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