Kathy Swafford marries her penis, son dies 4 days later

[Unamused Cat]

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg107/snarkyphotos/swafford.jpg
Jeremiah Swafford


SHELBY, N.C. -- A Cleveland County man and his new wife are charged with murder in the death of the woman’s 2-year-old son.

Deputies arrested Kathy Lynn Swafford, 20, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte Saturday after the boy died. Jeremiah Ray Swafford had been airlifted to the Charlotte hospital Friday from Cleveland Regional Medical Center with head trauma and other injuries that investigators say killed him. Swafford and her husband, Dwight Stacey Justice, 42, are both charged with felony murder and felony child abuse in the death of Jeremiah.

Investigators say paramedics were called to the family’s home on East Zion Church Road in Shelby Friday after the mother reported Jeremiah was unresponsive. A neighbor, who asked not to be identified, said he tried to help the frantic mother wake the boy. That neighbor told NewsChannel 36 that Jeremiah had a huge bruise on his forehead, and his breathing was shallow.

Kathy Lynn Swafford’s mother and aunt told NewsChannel 36 that they have been trying to get help for Jeremiah since they first suspected abuse in the home.

“He was hit so hard the bruises of the hand was still on his face,” said Cindy Cochran, Jeremiah’s great-aunt. “They popped out the tube in his ear.”

Cochran said Jeremiah’s grandmother took the little boy to the hospital in December when she noticed suspicious bruising. She said he was handed back to his parents, and that’s the last time she saw him. Cochran was so disturbed by what she suspected was going on in the home that she tried to get Cleveland County social service agencies involved, but with no success.

“I told them if he was not removed from the house, he would be dead in 1 to 3 months,” said Cochran. “All of this fell on deaf ears.”

http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/stories/wcnc-021409-mrn-2yroldkilled.188ce27c.html


The toddler's grandmother told WBTV news she first noticed signs of abuse back in October when Justice and Swafford began dating.

"A whole hand print across his face, his whole forehead was bruised, his back, his stomach,"said Kathy Swafford, Jeremiah's grandmother."

Swafford said the child had no health problems prior to Justice moving in.

http://www.wbtv.com/global/story.asp?s=9847259

No mugs yet.

[Jaded]

Video here.....

http://www.wsoctv.com/waxntv/18716945/detail.html#-

Can't grab a good screen-shot though.

[FlamingFox]

God! How could this be ignored? I know it happens way too often, but this is just BS! That poor child had a grandmother who was willing to give him a voice and help him and nothing?!? God, this world is fucked up!

RIP Jeremiah. I am so sorry your plea for help fell on deaf ears!

[Tazzzz]

Who would have thought, New Penis moves in 2-year-old dies??

Thanks for keeping an eye out for Jeremiah and trying to save him Granny. Its to bad it didnt work out for little guy.



Now Cochran’s family says they feel frustrated and helpless as they plan a funeral they can’t afford, and tried to prevent, for Jeremiah.

“He was just with a black eye four days ago,” said Cochran, “and now he was beat to death.”

Swafford and Justice are in the Cleveland County Jail under no bond. Their first appearance in court will be next week.

[canadian girl]

Very,very sad, R.I.P. little man.

[AussieMum]

So sad and tragic. Poor little darling at least sounds like he had a good grandma. Too bad for his mom and the stupid penis.

[malq]

Some relationships do deteriorate with time after marriage.

[Rockin Ma]

One thing I wish family would do in these situations is just take the child and see what happens. O.K. there's all this obvious abuse, a call to DCF doesn't do anything... just take the kid and don't give him back. The gram has no legal right to the child, but if she took him and the mom called the police and the police came to see this hand mark on his face, bruising on his body, it will bring some attention, it could've resulted in an arrest right there. What does it hurt to try it?

Sometimes you can't make the calls and go through the proper channels and take your time. Sometimes you have to take it into your own hands to get results fast. Make a scene with the police catch a kidnapping charge if you have to, at least try anyway you can to save the child.

[DarkPrincess]

Some relationships do deteriorate with time after marriage.

Some, yes. The grandmother said she noticed signs of abuse while they were dating though. Then this woman goes ahead and marries the guy? Was she a fucking idiot or what?

[Sarabei]

I had tubes in my ears....can you imagine the force of the blow to knock those tubes out? Apparently this girl is 20 and the penis is 42. Seems a tad odd don't ya think? That age diff.? I just don't get HOW you can do this to a child, ANY child. We see this over and over here at D&D and I can't comprehend it. I couldn't hurt my furbabies and I consider them my children, for real. But HOW can you carry life in you for 9 months and either you kill it or you let someone else do it? HOW? There are SO many loving people out there who would love to have these children...WHY don't they jsut give them up? WHY?

[Peeperann]

“I told them if he was not removed from the house, he would be dead in 1 to 3 months,” said Cochran. “All of this fell on deaf ears.”

God, grandma tried to do something. Until we can actually sue the government and CPS nothing is going to change. I would have taken him and ran and hidden with him, don't care if was called kidnapping or not, anything to protect him.

Rest with God sweet baby..............

[Sister Iroz]

SHELBY, N.C. -- A Cleveland County man and his new wife are charged with murder in the death of the woman’s 2-year-old son.

Deputies arrested Kathy Lynn Swafford, 20, at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte Saturday after the boy died. Jeremiah Ray Swafford had been airlifted to the Charlotte hospital Friday from Cleveland Regional Medical Center with head trauma and other injuries that investigators say killed him. Swafford and her husband, Dwight Stacey Justice, 42, are both charged with felony murder and felony child abuse in the death of Jeremiah.

Investigators say paramedics were called to the family’s home on East Zion Church Road in Shelby Friday after the mother reported Jeremiah was unresponsive. A neighbor, who asked not to be identified, said he tried to help the frantic mother wake the boy. That neighbor told NewsChannel 36 that Jeremiah had a huge bruise on his forehead, and his breathing was shallow.

Kathy Lynn Swafford’s mother and aunt told NewsChannel 36 that they have been trying to get help for Jeremiah since they first suspected abuse in the home.

“He was hit so hard the bruises of the hand was still on his face,” said Cindy Cochran, Jeremiah’s great-aunt. “They popped out the tube in his ear.”

Cochran said Jeremiah’s grandmother took the little boy to the hospital in December when she noticed suspicious bruising. She said he was handed back to his parents, and that’s the last time she saw him. Cochran was so disturbed by what she suspected was going on in the home that she tried to get Cleveland County social service agencies involved, but with no success.

“I told them if he was not removed from the house, he would be dead in 1 to 3 months,” said Cochran. “All of this fell on deaf ears.”

Now Cochran’s family says they feel frustrated and helpless as they plan a funeral they can’t afford, and tried to prevent, for Jeremiah.

“He was just with a black eye four days ago,” said Cochran, “and now he was beat to death.”

Swafford and Justice are in the Cleveland County Jail under no bond. Their first appearance in court will be next week.
http://www.wcnc.com/news/topstories/stories/wcnc-021409-mrn-2yroldkilled.188ce27c.html

[Sister Iroz]

http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo35/Special2bme/021609-richard_17_7231-t240.jpg http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo35/Special2bme/M_IMAGE11f5fb263469388fad0207b4ad5.jpgSHELBY, N.C. -- A Shelby couple is in jail charged with the murder of the woman's 2-year-old son. Relatives of the young boy say earlier reports made to authorities of alleged child abuse at the home were ignored.

Cindy Cochran says her biggest fear was that her great-nephew Jeremiah Swafford wouldn't live to see his third birthday in March. Sadly, this past weekend that came true.

"What kind of mother would let that happen to their child?" Cochran asked.

On Saturday, Jeremiah died of severe head trauma and other injuries that authorities say his mother, Kathy Lynn Swafford, and stepfather, Stacy Dwight Justice, inflicted on the boy.

According to authorities, it wasn't the first time they'd been to the home. Detectives say they conducted a thorough investigation in late December that included the Department of Social Services.

But investigators did not want to elaborate on those findings because they worry it might jeopardize the current case.

DSS Director Karen Ellis would neither confirm nor deny their involvement in Jeremiah's case.

"I think it's a tragedy for this community any time a child is in the care of their parents or caretakers and we learn the child has died or been severely injured. One child is too many," Ellis said. "Even if you did everything by the book, initiated on time, talked with everybody that you should have -- when you are that worker and when you work at Social Services you wish you could have done more. You wish you had a crystal ball to be able to predict human behavior."

Jeremiah's funeral will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at New Buffalo Baptist Church in Grover.

Swafford and Justice are being held without bond. They were assigned interim court-appointed lawyers on Monday. They are due back in court March 9.
http://www.wcnc.com/news/topstories/stories/wcnc-021409-mrn-2yroldkilled.188ce27c.html

[Sister Iroz]

oOPS DOUBLE POSTED MYSELF. But I will say they both are SKANKY ASSHOLES and I hope someone beats the shit out of them in jail/prison. May Jeremiah RIP!

[angela]

One thing I wish family would do in these situations is just take the child and see what happens.
~~~~~

I think the grandma took him to the hospital in December to document those bruises and nothing happened. They handed the boy over to the mother and grandma didn't get to see him again...

[Tazzzz]

Dwight Stacy Justice
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2009/02/16/23/152-559-abuse0217.ART_GJ8B4JO9.1+JUSTICE,%20DWIGHT%20STACY .BMP.embedded.prod_affiliate.138.jpg

Kathy Lynn Swafford
http://media.charlotteobserver.com/smedia/2009/02/16/22/362-abuse0217.ART_GJ8B48HP.1+SWAFFORD,%20KATHY%20LYNN. BMP.embedded.prod_affiliate.138.jpg



Kathy Jean Swafford remembered her 2-year-old grandson, Jeremiah, playing happily around her. But his mood changed when he had to go home to his mother and stepfather. “He'd run to me crying,” Swafford said Monday. “He'd beg me to let him stay with me. He'd go run and hide.”

On Monday, as other family members began making funeral arrangements, Kathy Lynn Swafford, 20, and her husband, Dwight Stacy Justice, 42, both of Shelby, made their first appearance in Cleveland County District Court.

Judge J. Keaton Fonville appointed attorneys to represent them, then set their next court date for March 9. The two were being held Monday without bond in the Cleveland County Detention Center.

“When EMS got there they found the boy wasn't sick,” Steen said. “He had a knot on his head and bruises on his body.”

One of the first times Swafford noticed bruises on her grandson, her daughter's explanation was that he'd been at a birthday party and “the kids started picking on him and beat him up,” the grandmother said.

In late October, Swafford said, her daughter told her that Jeremiah's face had swelled up because of an allergic reaction to a bee sting. When Swafford picked up her grandson, she said, one eye was black and another swollen and red. she could see a handprint on his bruised face, she said.

In December, she said, family members sought help from police and Cleveland County Social Services, but authorities didn't remove Jeremiah from the house.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/local/story/542223.html

[Jaded]

The pig-faced bitch and her husband are up front....

http://www.dreamindemon.com/2009/02/17/kathy-lynn-swafford-has-a-new-husband/

[ineedanap]

“He was hit so hard the bruises of the hand was still on his face,” said Cindy Cochran, Jeremiah’s great-aunt. “They popped out the tube in his ear.”

Also, black eyes, bruises on his stomach?? I'd have called the police and made a report. DCF wouldn't have been able to blow off the po-po. Poor grandmom, having to live with this the rest of her life. I believe the people who try to do the right thing live with more guilt that the perps.

RIP, Jeremiah.

[Tazzzz]

Jeremiah Ray Swafford 2006 - 2009
Ohh, He has a Bob the builder shirt on.

http://tribalmask.net/dreamin-demon/Jeremiah-swafford00.jpg




Criminal history

Swafford and Justice made their first court appearances Monday morning. District Attorney Rick Shaffer said their next court date is March 9.
Both were still in jail Wednesday without bond.

Justice was previously convicted of misdemeanor possession, larceny and breaking and entering charges, according to the N.C. Department of Correction Web site. Swafford has no convictions in North Carolina.

Funeral service

A service is scheduled for Jeremiah Thursday at 2 p.m. at New Buffalo Baptist Church in Grover.
"All of us are still crying and upset, wondering why he wasn't (taken), so he could still be with us," said Donna Huffstetler, the boy's great-aunt.
The last time she saw the 2-year-old, he was smiling and playing outside with other children in the family.
Huffstetler believes even though Jeremiah is no longer with them, the family could help prevent other people from abusive situations.
"Take action ... call someone to get out there," she said. "Start investigating. Dig deep."

Previous incident

According to the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office, Kathy Jean Swafford, Jeremiah's grandmother, reported assault on the boy's genitals Dec. 20, 2008.
"She did report to law enforcement ... and was investigated and DSS was involved," said Capt. Bobby Steen of the sheriff's office.
Ellis was asked about this specific report and would not comment, citing confidentiality laws.

http://www.shelbystar.com/news/child_37085___article.html/family_information.html

[Silvahalo]

What kind of mother would let that happen to their child?" Cochran asked.

That indeed is the question. I would say, a mother who is selfish, mean, heartless, no patience whatsoever and doesn't mind that others hit in her place. I am certain, she never saw the luminous light in her own son's eyes...had she done so, she would have killed anyone who'd raise a hand to him.


Kathy Jean Swafford remembered her 2-year-old grandson, Jeremiah, playing happily around her. But his mood changed when he had to go home to his mother and stepfather. “He'd run to me crying,” Swafford said Monday. “He'd beg me to let him stay with me. He'd go run and hide.”

I would have never let him go. No way, no how, would I have let that poor sweet child go back to his tormentors. I am grateful that in your short life, you found love with your grandmother, I know she loved you and felt helpless to see you in distress. Mistakes one too many, I think, kept you in harms way. May your killer find no happiness and in his times end, find hell waiting for him....that goes for you too worthless, pathetic mother.

http://i34.tinypic.com/atstc.jpg

[Tazzzz]

Kathy Jean Swafford (Jeremiahs Granny) is comforted during the funeral for her grandson Jeremiah Ray Swafford Thursday at New Buffalo Baptist Church.

http://tribalmask.net/dreamin-demon/Swafford00.jpg



Family says tearful goodbye to beloved 2-year-old

GROVER - Jeremiah Swafford lived 1,065 days.
The boy who smiled at the sight of a McDonald's Big Mac was laid to rest Thursday afternoon at New Buffalo Baptist Church Cemetery.
The church was filled with family and friends. Boxes of tissues were passed around as the preacher spoke of the 2-year-old child.
"He suffered more than a 2-year-old should have to, but he is in a better place," said the Rev. Adam Greene, who presided over the service.
Jeremiah died Saturday afternoon at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Cleveland County Sheriff's deputies charged his mother and stepfather with one count each of felony child abuse and murder.

Kathy Lynn Swafford, 20, and Dwight Stacy Justice, 42, both of 867-30 E. Zion Church Road, Shelby were arrested Saturday and taken to the Cleveland County Detention Center, where they are being held without bond.
Following Jeremiah's death, family members contended previous complaints over possible child abuse were not addressed by the Cleveland County Department of Social Services.

Despite warnings, Jeremiah wasn't taken out of harm's way, his family says.
The Star requested more information from DSS earlier this week about the boy's case.
District Attorney Rick Shaffer anticipates there will be an answer today as the whether the information can or cannot be released.

"Jeremiah has brought a bright light to all," Greene said. "He is a bright light in heaven." Arms stretched out from the pews as people grasped the little gray casket the pallbearers carried down the aisle. A small teddy bear sat in the middle surrounded by flowers.

Despite the sunny weather, a cold wind blew throughout the graveside ceremony and people huddled close to the burial site.
"I'm heartbroken," said Betty Mayes, the child's great-grandmother. "It's like a big rock in my heart."

While blue and white balloons were released, other family members crowded around the casket, each clutching a rose that adorned the casket.
"I wish it didn't have to happen," said Donna Huffstetler, his great-aunt. "When it is a baby, it tears at your heart."
Despite the past week's heartache, family members tried to recall the lighter moments.

"He just loved oranges," Mayes said.
"As long as he had his ... oranges and a bite of a Big Mac, he was the happiest boy on earth," Huffstetler said.

http://www.shelbystar.com/news/family_37111___article.html/jeremiah_child.html
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

[PoongyPrincess]

Huffstetler believes even though Jeremiah is no longer with them, the family could help prevent other people from abusive situations.
"Take action ... call someone to get out there," she said. "Start investigating. Dig deep."

I realize that the family is only trying to see the best in such a tragedy, but I really, really hate this line. There is never any justification for a child losing their life to child abuse. Millions of children lost their lives before Jeremiah was killed--and guess what--it didn't stop his mom and step-dad one bit. You know what will help end child abuse? Requiring all high schools to make infant development and infant/child psychology requirements for graduating so that parents-to-be learn how kids think and why they do what they do. To have communities encourage connections between parents with community events, neighborhood cookouts, and street parties. There needs to be education that spanking is not necessary to raise wonderful kids. I am extremely opposed to spanking because once a parent crosses that line and strikes their kid it's so easy to hit harder, more often, across the face, maybe a kick...

[Dakota Valkyrie]

Shelby toddler Jeremiah Swafford died of a head injury on Valentine's Day, but a new report from social workers shows they were unable to substantiate allegations of abuse during a recent five-week investigation.

In an effort to quell public criticism, Cleveland County's Department of Social Services released an eight-page account of its interactions with Jeremiah's family. The report details an escalating pattern of contact between investigators and the family, and says DSS was planning to close the case as “unsubstantiated” when the 2-year-old died.

Despite relatives' allegations of abuse – including the use of a stun gun on the boy – social workers, doctors and deputies found no evidence of abuse, the report said. Medical records, however, note at least two instances of a fading injury around Jeremiah's eye. But DSS officials say doctors did not consider the injuries suspicious.

“We can't make decisions based on accusations,” said DSS director Karen Ellis. “We did our job. There was nothing in this report, or the investigation, that could have predicted this outcome.”
[...]
The DSS report shows the agency first began looking at the family in 2007 – after receiving three complaints about conditions in Jeremiah's home. None of the complaints involved allegations of abuse. Ellis told the Observer Friday the problems involved a dirty house and reports of drug use. She said those issues were resolved and did not require continued DSS contact.

The department again became involved with the family on Dec. 19, due to a complaint from Jeremiah's biological father. DSS remained in contact until officials met to consider closing the case Jan. 26.

In between, social workers were in consistent contact with Jeremiah's family. Investigators conducted at least a dozen interviews and requested detailed medical records. And on five occasions, social workers examined Jeremiah and found no signs of abuse.

The report also says officials with the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office, Kings Mountain Hospital and Cleveland Regional Medical Center examined the boy during that period and reported no indications of abuse.

The DSS report spells out a timeline of events, including:


Dec. 19, 2008: James Thomas, Jeremiah's biological father, reported possible abuse of the toddler. A sheriff's deputy visited the family and reported to DSS that he found “no marks or bruises whatsoever.” The mother, Kathy Lynn Swafford, told the deputy that “her grandmother was trying to get custody of the child.” On the basis of the deputy's report, DSS decided not to investigate.



Dec. 30, 2008: Relatives took Jeremiah to Cleveland Regional Medical Center. A sheriff's deputy and social worker investigated claims that he had “bruises and taser marks on his body.”


Doctors found a bruise on Jeremiah's penis, abrasions to his left knee and right eyebrow, a red sore on his foot, and skinny red marks on his back. DSS officials said it was determined the red marks were from a staph infection and the bruise on Jeremiah's penis came from the removal of a catheter at Kings Mountain Hospital on Nov. 20, 2008. The boy had apparently been treated for dehydration on Nov. 20, the report says.

Dec. 31, 2008: A social worker visited the family and examined Jeremiah, finding no signs of abuse.



Jan 5: A family member at DSS on another matter told a social worker that she was “concerned for Jeremiah's safety.” Cindy Cochran told investigators she had seen Jeremiah with a black eye, and had seen his “mother slap him and grab him by his throat and throw him.”



Jan. 8: A social worker interviewed Jeremiah's mother and examined him. His mother denied any abuse and agreed to take a drug test, which she passed. Social worker found the boy to be happy and free of marks or bruises.



Jan. 13: Jeremiah visited a pediatrician for a stomach virus. The doctor noted the boy was a regular patient and had never shown signs of abuse.



Jan. 15: The social worker visited the home and found no evidence of abuse on Jeremiah.



Jan. 22: The social worker visited the home and again found no signs of abuse.



Jan. 26: The social worker met with a supervisor to discuss closing the case as “unsubstantiated.” DSS decided to keep the case open until it received confirmation from law enforcement that its investigation into the Dec. 30 hospital visit was closed.



Jan. 31: Medical records from Kings Mountain Hospital showed Jeremiah was treated for a sore throat and runny nose. Doctors noted a “resolving facial bruise” under his left eye. It's unclear whether social workers saw this report before the boy died. Ellis wasn't sure Friday whether her staff was aware of the injury, but she says doctors didn't raise red flags.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/597/story/551707.html

No mention of the tubes being slapped out of his ears - either being reported or investigated.

[Jaded]

Ok..either someone is really blind or someone really has it out for the family. I haven't seen anything about the actual autopsy results. He is said to have died from head trauma and other injuries. I can't seem to find out what those other injuries are.

I don't even know what to think about the report from DSS.

[Harley_Tech]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/597/story/551707.html



Dec. 30, 2008: Relatives took Jeremiah to Cleveland Regional Medical Center. A sheriff's deputy and social worker investigated claims that he had “bruises and taser marks on his body.”


Doctors found a bruise on Jeremiah's penis, abrasions to his left knee and right eyebrow, a red sore on his foot, and skinny red marks on his back. DSS officials said it was determined the red marks were from a staph infection and the bruise on Jeremiah's penis came from the removal of a catheter at Kings Mountain Hospital on Nov. 20, 2008. The boy had apparently been treated for dehydration on Nov. 20, the report says.


WHAT?! I'm sorry but you conclude that bruising on his penis is from a catheter removed 40 Fucking days earlier? You're no doctor, you're a fucking idiot!

A child is treated for dehydration and someone does not ask why? Red marks on his back for a fucking staph infection? Yeah, my hairy ass they are. This Doctor need some alone time with me and a baseball bat so he can learn what abuse looks like.

There are LOT more people that need to be in jail over this child IMO.

R

[Tazzzz]

SHELBY - Kathy Lynn Swafford recently wrote three letters to her mother from jail. She also called her mother, Kathy Jean Swafford, Tuesday about picking up pictures of her 2-year-old son, Jeremiah Swafford, taken at Wal-Mart. "I told her I will always love you because you are my daughter, but I hate you because you let it happen," Kathy Jean said.

Danny Thomas, Jeremiah's biological father, said doctors told him Jeremiah was beaten to death, with skull fractures in three places.
"His brain was swollen so (badly) it down to the back of his neck," he said.
At The Star's request, DSS released an eight-page summary regarding Jeremiah's case.

It has been almost a month since Jeremiah died and family members are still in shock and mourning over the boy's death. Kathy Jean said the letters she has received from her daughter always have Jeremiah's name written in them somewhere.

One letter Kathy Jean received from her daughter wanted to know what Jeremiah wore to the funeral and where he was buried. "My little family will be back together soon," was written at the bottom of one letter, according to Kathy Jean. The same letter was concealed in an envelope and the back read, "R.I.P. Jeremiah."

Another letter was written on computer paper with drawings of hearts shaded in gray. Family members waited patiently Monday morning at the Cleveland County Courthouse for only one thing, they said - justice.
"We were up here to make sure Jeremiah gets justice," Kathy Jean said. "We came up here to see what was going on."

Kathy Jean stood outside the courthouse filled with emotions, including anger toward her daughter and Justice. Tears also filled her eyes as she spoke of her grandson who only lived 1,065 days. Kathy Jean didn't go see her daughter on March 4 for visitation at the detention center.

"I wasn't ready to see her," she said. "We (the family) don't feel good and we won't feel good for a while." While she has had communication with her daughter, she is still haunted with questions surrounding Jeremiah's death.
Kathy Jean said her daughter told her in a phone conversation that she "didn't do it."

"I want to know what happened," Kathy Jean said. "I just want to know the truth."

http://www.shelbystar.com/news/kathy_37598___article.html/jeremiah_jean.html

[Aslan]

Kathy Lynn Swafford’s mother and aunt told NewsChannel 36 that they have been trying to get help for Jeremiah since they first suspected abuse in the home.

Fuck them
here's how you get fucking help. You take the child out of the fucking house.
Seriously, they want sympathy? Really?

[seductress]

Fuck them
here's how you get fucking help. You take the child out of the fucking house.
Seriously, they want sympathy? Really?

It's not always as easy as just taking the child. There are laws, they did the right thing by reporting this. I feel the system failed this little boy.

If they would have just taken this child from his mother, big chance she would have gone to jail and no one would have listened to her because they would have thought all she wanted was to take away the baby from the parents.

[guntotin' liberal]

I took my grandson when he was 10 mos. old. His mom was too busy partying.
I guess my powers of persuasion were pretty good, I didn't have to steal him. I would have though.....

[Insomniac]

Damn it to hell. How the fuck do these turds LIVE with themselves after beating on a defenseless two year old?

These two douchebags should fucking burn.

[thehesbomb]

Some awful details from the autopsy:




SHELBY — The 2-year-old suffered more than any child should.

His 43-pound body was “wrapped in a blanket” when the medical examiner’s office received him in a body bag.

A bruised body, bleeding on the brain and a 6-inch skull fracture reflects the pain he endured.

Six months have passed since Jeremiah Swafford died. On Wednesday, new light was shed on how.

Jeremiah was killed Feb. 14 as a result of “blunt force head trauma due to physical assault/abuse,” according to the N.C. Medical Examiners Office autopsy report on the boy. The report continued there was also evidence of “blunt force abdominal trauma.”

His mother, Kathy Lynn Swafford, and stepfather, Dwight Stacy Justice, were charged with murder and child abuse following his death.

Both were initially held without bond. Tuesday, a judge set Justice’s bond at $200,000 and set conditions if he is released. Swafford, whose bond was set two months ago for the same amount, remains in jail.

Skull fracture

The report indicated the skull fracture began at the back of his head and extended to almost the center. A “focal” bruise was under his right eye and an “abrasion of (the) lower lip,” according to the report.

Jeremiah was hospitalized for 22 hours and was declared brain dead, the report read.

“I don’t understand how anyone can beat a child to death,” said Kathy Jean Swafford, Jeremiah’s grandmother. “I’m devastated.”

Danny Thomas, Jeremiah’s biological father, previously told The Star doctors told him he was beaten to death.

“His brain was swollen so (badly) it was down to the back of his neck,” Thomas said.

Jeremiah’s brain weighed a little more than 3 pounds.

A fall?

Emergency officials responded to the home of Swafford and Justice after a caller said Jeremiah had been sick for a couple of days, according to Cleveland County Sheriff’s Officials.

The caller stated the boy had a knot on his head and had been throwing up blood, deputies said.

Jeremiah was taken to Cleveland Regional Medical Center after a “reported fall,” according to the autopsy report. Medical officials discovered the traumatic injuries and then transferred him to Carolinas Medical Center where he died the following day.

“The extensive nature of these injuries is inconsistent with a simple fall,” the report read.

A piece still missing

Family members “expected” the findings in the report. But it’s still hard to hear.

“I have piece of my life missing,” Kathy Jean said crying. “I have so many emotions I go through.”

She said she still holds onto memories of her late grandson, especially the time she would take him to the park in Grover.

“We would swing side by side,” she said. “He would tell me, ‘push me higher.’ I can still hear him sometimes.”



Listed injuries in Jeremiah’s autopsy:

- Skull fracture

- Bruising of the forehead

- Focal (underneath right eye) bruising

- Abdominal bruising

- Abrasions of the lower lip

- Bruises and abrasions on the face

- Tear of the upper lip

- Abrasion of the left knee

- Blue / green discoloration of the abdomen

- Bruising to the arms

- A blue / brown bruise to the chest

- Abrasion across the jaw line

- Bruise under the jaw



http://www.shelbystar.com/news/justified-40857-abuse-killed.html

[thequeenofsorrow]

OMG This is upsetting


SHELBY — Days after Jeremiah Swafford’s family gathered around his gravesite in the one-year anniversary of his death, a murder charge was dismissed against the child’s step-father, Dwight Stacy Justice.

Court documents obtained by The Star indicate first-degree murder charge and felony child abuse charges were dismissed against Justice Tuesday.

“After a thorough review of the evidence, then applying the applicable law, the evidence is insufficient to proceed with prosecution,” the court document read.

Cleveland County Assistant District Attorney Bill Young could not comment about the case because of pending charges against the child’s mother, Kathy Lynn Swafford. She remains charged with first-degree murder in her son’s death and child abuse, according to the Cleveland County District Attorney’s Office. Justice is no longer listed as an inmate in jail, according to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office Web Site.

http://www.shelbystar.com/news/toddler-44768-charge-death.html


The mother's trial is due to start Oct 11

[TheDepressor]

What? How could the charges have been dismissed?! Even if they can not prove that he physically harmed the child, he should still be facing charges for standing by and allowing it! Although, I honestly believe he played a part in the physical abuse. I do not believe he is innocent. God, how many times will this little boy be failed?!? Depressing.....

[LadyCygnet]

*sputters incoherently*

I guess I shouldn't be surprised, though. Since the DSS was too blind to see the abuse Jeremiah was receiving, I shouldn't be surprised that the court feels that there's not enough evidence to hold the step-beast responsible for Jeremiah's death.

No justice for Jeremiah. Let's hope that the momster is held accountable, at least.

Oh, and the betting booth is now open regarding how long it'll take for Justice to do something dumb to Grandma and Cochran to "get even" with them for being so open with the media about all that was going on with Jeremiah.

[badfish76]

That's a crock of shit!

If there is anyone here from that area you need to raise hell and make sure someone is held responsible for this and not let the death of this sweet child go unanswered for.

[Oceangirly92]

it breaks my heart even while my children cry out of just being spoiled. how can somebody hurt a child and see their crushed face and continue on beating the fuck out of their little bodies some more. these people need to die.

[MadeaBecBec]

Tim Willis, Jeremiah's great uncle, said he grew up with Stacy Justice.

"I think it's ridiculous," Willis said of Justice's release. "I grew up with Stacy and he's never been anything but a big bully ... and very abusive to anybody weaker than him."

Willis said he and his wife tried previously to get Jeremiah and raise him as their own.

"I told (Justice) 'If you ever hurt that youngin', me and you are going to go to war.'"

Willis said he and Justice grew up a street apart and went to school together.

http://www.shelbystar.com/news/toddler-44768-charge-death.html
Willis; Looks like you've got a war to finish......

[crickett]

Fucking bitch! "You wish you had a crystal ball to predict human behavior". What a dumb ass excuse for DSS to say! They had EVIDENCE that the child was being beaten at home. They didn't need a fucking crystal ball. Worthless ass cunt and her worthless ass so-called investigation. When will they quit making excuses and start doing their jobs?

[carolinablue]

my stomach turned over and i can feel my face flushing and my ears burn. a shitty coda to a sad little life, be at peace now, little man, no one can hurt you ever again.
the only consolation i can find, and it's not enough, is that small towns remember.. crimes and scandals live for-fuckin'-ever. as long as either murderer lives there, s/he will be followed by whispers and pointed out in public. in stores they will be waited on in silence, greetings will not be returned, people will step to the side when they walk down a street. their mail might go missing, phone calls unreturned..the petty harassment is only limited by the townsfolk's imagination. i live in a small town, mr cb comes from a no-traffic light, one dog town...we know how this is done.

[badfish76]

I hope Tim Willis gives Justice a curb check in a dark alley.

GO TIM!

[Whisper]

Months after charges dropped, step-father re-indicted in toddler's death
SHELBY, N.C. (WBTV) - Three months after murder charges were dropped against a Shelby man in the death of his 2-year-old stepson, the case has been reopened.

For the second time, Dwight Stacy Justice faces murder and felony child-abuse charges in the death of two-year-old Jeremiah Swafford. He was re-indicted by a Cleveland County grand jury on Monday.

Charges were initially dropped back in March 2010 because of insufficient evidence.

The child's mother, Kathy Lynn Swafford remains in the Cleveland County jail on charges of murder and felony child abuse.

Police say Jeremiah was beaten to death by Swafford and Justice. The tragedy compounded when other family members came forward claiming they'd reported abuse as far back as 2007.

"This boy would still be alive if they'd just taken him out of that house," says Cindy Corchran, the child's great aunt told WBTV back in 2009.

The Department of Social Services claims it investigated claims of abuse as far back as February of 2007. But in a report released in 2009, DSS says it never found evidence of abuse.
[...]
Emergency medical service workers went to the couple's apartment on Feb. 13, 2009 after a caller reported the child was sick. He died the next day. The medical examiner says the death was caused by blows to the head from physical assault or abuse.http://www.wbtv.com/global/story.asp?s=12652275
http://i48.tinypic.com/33deb82.jpg
Jeremiah Swafford

[SingleMama]

I'd take the kid and run. Run to Canada. Run anywhere. Just get that kid outta there!! That poor family!! That poor baby!! This is just digusting!! And how could someone see a child like that and claim there were no signs of abuse?! DCFS and all those agencies are useless and uncaring. They see so many kids in and out that a dead kid to them is probably just one less to worry about. The "family services" agencies are just places where people get paid to do nothing while kids suffer for it. Fuck them. And fuck the cops that went to that house MORE THAN ONCE on suspicion of abuse and still did nothing!

[Tundratot]

. . .

On Monday, Swafford, 21, and Justice, 43, rejected the state’s plea offer of second-degree murder charges in the 2009 death of Jeremiah Swafford. That sentence would have carried a minimum of roughly seven and half years to a maximum of 14 years in prison, according to court proceedings.

. . .

On Feb. 14, 2009, Swafford and Justice were charged with first-degree murder and child abuse in the 2-year-old’s killing. If convicted, both could face life in prison without parole.

Swafford, whose hair was pulled halfway back away from her face, whispered to Flowers. She wanted to know if that plea offer meant seven and half years maximum or minimum.

Justice stared ahead. Both entered a plea of not guilty and a trail date was set for Oct. 31, 2011.

. . . http://www.shelbystar.com/news/murder-52016-swafford-old.html

Freakin' pestilential protozoa slime! Somebody pour salt on them.

[Dakota Valkyrie]

The man accused of killing his stepson is out of jail on bond.

Dwight Stacy Justice was released from Cleveland County Detention Center on a $150,000 property bond on Friday, about two months before he is set to stand trial for the killing of 2-year-old Jeremiah Swafford.

Justice and Jeremiah’s mother, Kathy Lynn Swafford, will be tried together for the child’s death, said Assistant District Attorney Bill Young. Jury selection in the trial is set to start Oct. 31, Young said.

Swafford remains in jail under a $150,000 secured bond.

Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman confirmed Monday that Justice left police custody on Friday after making bond. Swafford remains in Cleveland County jail.
[...]

Young said Swafford appeared in court Monday with defense attorney Fred Flowers. The defense asked the state to identify the murder weapon used in Jeremiah’s death, but the state said it didn’t have any witnesses who could identify any murder weapon, according to Young. He said the judge asked Flowers to return any expert witness reports to the state by Sept. 24.
http://www.gastongazette.com/news/killer-60387-shelby-accused.html

[Tundratot]

Damn! This creep is getting a window of opportunity to do it again and, moreover, to spread his seed around some more. Will someone cut off his junk?

[princessgrandma]

I am from NC, and I have seen case after case where DCF has dropped the ball when it comes to child abuse. It's like they deliberately hire the stupidest people they can get, the ones who are too lazy to push a little and get to the bottom of things. It makes me furious when, as in this case, family actually tries to do something and the child has still died. THEN, AFTER a child dies, the first thing you hear above all is DCF shouting at the top of their lungs, "We did our job." BULLSHIT. If you did your job, the child would still be alive, you assholes.

Now, as to this child murdering POS stepfather, how the hell does he get out on bail just two months before he's supposed to stand trial? What happens if the asshole decides to take off? It doesn't say that he's being monitored electronically or anything. I guess Florida isn't the only fuck-up state in the US.

This story reminds me of what happened to Ethan Stacy. When will this fucked up system be fixed? Maybe we just need to wipe the whole thing and start all over from scratch. Some things are just too far gone to fix.

[LadyCygnet]

Maybe they let the step-monster out on bond to see if Tim Willis is willing to save the taxpayers some money down the road. :top:

[Tundratot]

http://www.shelbystar.com/news/reduction-58687-shelby-bond.html
Dwight Stacy Justice, the man charged in the murder of Bobby Swafford’s grandson, was released from jail last month on a $150,000 property bond. Bobby Swafford said he wants the man charged in Jeremiah’s death behind bars.

Jeremiah’s mother, Kathy Lynn Swafford, who is Bobby Swafford’s daughter, is also charged in the toddler’s murder. She remains in Cleveland County jail under a $150,000 bond. Bobby Swafford doesn’t make excuses for her.

“I’m not here to defend my daughter,” Bobby Swafford said. . . .

In the weeks leading up to the trial, Bobby Swafford waits and hopes for justice for his grandson. He said he is on medication to help with the anxiety caused from Jeremiah’s death.

Bobby Swafford said, in his mind, that justice will come if both Justice and Kathy Lynn Swafford serve prison time after the trial comes to a conclusion.

But for now, Bobby Swafford waits. He said he plans on being at the murder trial every day for as long as it continues.

He remembers his grandson as a happy, loving child who loved people.

“If he came in this room, he would not go out this door without giving you a hug,” Bobby Swafford said. “… He was a good, sweet boy.”

I completely agree. That tard should wait it out behind bars.

[Tundratot]

. . .

A Superior Court judge granted a motion to allow Dwight Stacy Justice and Kathy Lynn Swafford to be tried separately and continued the trials until early 2012. Both are charged with first-degree murder and child abuse in the beating death of Jeremiah Swafford. . . .

But Justice's lawyer, Ted Cummings of Hickory, said the Cleveland County district attorney's office had recently provided him with discovery material that included a report done by a forensic pathologist other than the one who'd performed the autopsy.

The report indicated the child's injuries could have been accidental, Cummings said, adding that he needs more time to get another forensic expert to evaluate the report.

Meanwhile, he said his investigation turned up statements by some of Swafford's former cellmates that incriminate her in Jeremiah's death and exonerate Justice. Cummings said this has created an "antagonistic posture" between the two defendants. . . .

Justice, 44, out of jail on $150,000 bond since August, will be tried Jan 16.

Swafford, 23, is still behind bars under the same amount of bond and will be tried Feb. 13, one day short of the third anniversary of her son's death.

Cummings described Justice as "a God-fearing man who has been on an emotional rollercoaster" since Jeremiah's death.

"He maintains he never abused the child and is not in any fashion responsible for the child's injuries," Cummings said. "He's eager to get this thing behind him." . . .

[Swafford's] Family members say they stand behind her.

Betty Jean Thomas often talks to her granddaughter on the phone and visits her in jail.

Swafford called statements by former cellmates "a bunch of lies," Thomas said.

"She knows she's innocent; that God knows she's innocent; and that Jeremiah knows she's innocent," Thomas said.

"I know she didn't hurt that baby. There's no way in the world. Jeremiah was the only thing she had she could call her own and loved her unconditionally.

"She doesn't care what they say. She knows she's coming home."


http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/10/30/2734309/separate-trials-for-pair-accused.html#ixzz1cOJHFjKo

An "antagonistic posture"!!! Love it. Now there ought to be some finger pointing and, just maybe, the truth will come out.

[VXIII]

The family sure has changed its tune, some of it anyways...

[LadyCygnet]

The report indicated the child's injuries could have been accidental, Cummings said, adding that he needs more time to get another forensic expert to evaluate the report.

Pay someone enough, and they'll say anything you want.

[Tundratot]

Dwight Stacy Justice goes to trial.

In opening statements Wednesday, Assistant Cleveland County District Attorney Bill Young said Swafford and Justice had been married two or three days before the toddler's death, but had been living together for several months in a Shelby apartment.

Living with them and Jeremiah was Justice's eight-year-old son. On the night of Feb. 12, 2009, Young said the mother and stepfather found Jeremiah OK in bed. The next morning, Justice took his son to school, came home and fell asleep watching TV.

"By lunchtime he (Jeremiah) had suffered severe head injuries and injuries on other parts of his body," Young told the jury. "The defendant and Swafford waited a time period before calling 911." . . .

Justice's lawyer, Ted Cummings of Hickory, said there were two occasions during the time period in question when only one person was in the apartment with Jeremiah. Justice had been away doing laundry that evening and the next morning had taken his son to school, stopping at a fast-food restaurant afterwards.

Cummings also told the jury "you may hear evidence that this injury could have been partially the result of an accident and that no one is at fault."

Cummings said that, at the close of evidence, it will be clear that "This man is not responsible for Jeremiah's death." . . .

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/01/17/2937990/stepfathers-trial-begins-in-death.html


An autopsy photo of the little boy’s head showed a snaking fracture along his exposed skull.

The six-inch crack spread from the right side of the child’s skull and continued to the base of his tiny spine. Another one-inch fracture branched off from the longer crack.

Scrapes and bruises dotted the dead boy’s mouth, chin, neck and forehead. His swollen head was spongy with pooling blood.

Two-year-old Jeremiah Swafford suffered greatly before he died.

Pediatrician Dr. Otwell Timmons testified for the state Wednesday that Jeremiah's mother told him her son fell out of a car seat shortly before his death. The doctor, however, said the toddler's injuries weren't from a fall, but from an intentional blow to the head that probably wasn’t the first violence the child endured. . . .

Timmons, who works at Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte, said he treated Jeremiah the day before he died in February 2009 and determined the boy had been hurt “over time as a pattern of repetitive injury.” . . .

Owens, a forensic pathologist, said he thinks a long, hard object fractured the child’s skull.

Justice’s defense attorney, Ted Cummings, disputed claims of abuse and mistreatment by saying the visible scrapes and bruises present on Jeremiah’s body at the time of the autopsy could have been caused by medical professionals trying to help Jeremiah when he was sick.

Cleveland County Communications received a call requesting an ambulance to Jeremiah’s home on Feb. 13, 2009, at 1:19 p.m. A man says there’s a boy inside the home who is breathing but unconscious.

The man’s words are barely audible over a woman’s wailing in the background. She screams and cries. Cummings said the woman can be heard saying, “I’m sorry.”http://www.shelbystar.com/news/shelby-61390-skull-toddler.html

The first witness to take the stand said the fatal blow to the toddler came from an object like a 2x4 or a baseball bat that hit him in the head. Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Owens also surmised that the boy was hurdled into something that size with enormous force. . . .

“The mother and stepfather described Jeremiah as a clumsy child who falls a lot,” Timmons said.http://www.wsoctv.com/news/30244042/detail.html

. . . first responders related what they saw when they arrived around 1:30 p.m.

"I thought I was looking at a dead child," said Paul Fetter, a paramedic with Cleveland County Emergency Medical Services. "He was gray and ashen. But to my surprise he gave a small breath - a little gurgling."

He described the sound as the kind of gasp associated with a dying person. . . .

On Thursday, Fetter testified that when he and his partner, Dixie Parker, arrived at the apartment where Swafford and Justice lived, they found Kathy Lynn Swafford outside talking on a cellphone with someone.

"She was upset," he said. "It was not a nice conversation."

Swafford pointed the paramedics toward her apartment and they entered a combination living room/kitchen. Fetter saw Justice sitting on the edge of a chair holding Jeremiah, repeating "Come on, breathe, breathe, breathe."

Meanwhile, Fetter said Swafford came inside the apartment, tossed the cellphone on a couch "and the scene became more chaotic." He testified that Swafford began yelling: "If anything happens to him she's going to hold us responsible."

Fetter said Swafford told him Jeremiah suffered the injuries when he fell out of bed. When he asked which bed, Swafford pointed down the hall. Fetter looked and was able to see the foot of a regular-size bed.

"I thought a fall that size wouldn't cause the damage we'd seen," Fetter said. "That's when I realized we were dealing with something else."

Fetter spotted a small bandage taped to Jeremiah's forehead and looked under it.

"I saw a bruise, which was rather odd," he said. "You don't put gauze on a bruise."

He told the jury: "I believe it was there to hide it (bruise)."

With the increased yelling, "I didn't feel comfortable," Fetter said. "I felt like we needed to get out of there." . . .

Tony Dean Dotson testified that he had been Justice's neighbor since Dotson moved into the apartment complex in 2004. Justice lived with his 8-year-old son, Curtis, who suffers from spina bifida.

About 2 1/2 months before the Feb. 13, 2009, incident, Dotson said Swafford and Jeremiah moved in with Justice.

The toddler appeared normal most of the times Dotson saw him. But two weeks before Feb. 13 he saw two things that " maybe were not normal."

Dotson noticed bruising on Jeremiah's legs and a cut under his lip. The boy's mother explained "he and Curtis had a confrontation about going to school," Dotson said.

Around 1 p.m. on Feb. 13, Dotson drove up to the apartments and saw Swafford outside "ranting and raving ... She wanted me to go inside and check on Jeremiah."

In the children's bedroom, Dotson said he found Jeremiah in bed and Justice standing by.

Dotson saw a contusion on Jeremiah's forehead and noticed he had a "faint shallow breath."

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/01/20/2941137/paramedic-describes-chaos-at-home.html
The paramedic walked into the apartment expecting to treat a boy injured from a fall.

He saw a man holding a tiny child in his arms. The man rocked the boy back and forth, patting him on the back and saying, "Come on, breathe."

The paramedic, a man with 18 years of training, said he thought the child was already dead. Jeremiah Swafford’s open eyes had abnormally large pupils. Adhesive tape secured a square piece of gauze onto the boy's forehead. The gauze didn't conceal a large, swollen knot.

"I really thought I was looking at a dead child,” said Cleveland County Emergency Medical Services paramedic Paul Fetter during court testimony Thursday morning. “... He was gray, very ashen. Then, to my surprise he did take a breath. We call it 'agonal.' It wasn't life sustaining." . . .

Paramedic Dixie Parker, Fetter's partner, said she realized Jeremiah was in grave condition when she felt how "squishy" the back of his head was from pooling blood. She described his head as being soft to the touch, similar to the softness of a rotting melon.

As Parker cradled Jeremiah's head and neck with her body, she said she noticed other injuries. Parker said she saw what she thought was dried blood caked around the boy’s mouth and nose.

"It had been there for awhile," Parker told the jury. "This wasn't something that had happened 15 minutes ago."

Parker also said she saw bruising and discoloration along Jeremiah's abdomen, peeking over his diaper line. His face was red and there was a bruise on his chest, she said.

Jeremiah had those injuries before any medical intervention, Parker testified. . . .

Both Parker and Fetter mentioned feeling tension in the Justice and Swafford apartment. They described hearing Kathy Lynn Swafford yelling and screaming during a cell phone conversation while her son was unconscious. Later, there was a heated exchange between Swafford and Justice, they said.

Fetter said after he removed Jeremiah from Justice's arms, Justice watched their life-saving efforts while leaning over an easy chair in the living room.

Parker testified Swafford threatened to kill someone if Jeremiah died. Parker said she didn't know whether Swafford was referring to someone on the phone or to Parker and Fetter.http://www.shelbystar.com/news/shelby-61403-trauma-describe.html

[Tundratot]

A light rain fell Monday afternoon as two vans brought a Cleveland County jury to the apartment where 2-year-old Jeremiah Swafford was found with a 6-inch fracture in his head on Feb. 13, 2009. . .

On Monday, Cummings cross-examined prosecution witness John Kiser with the State Bureau of Investigation, who'd testified Friday about two interviews he'd conducted with Justice in 2009. The first was Feb. 13 at Cleveland Regional Medical Center in Shelby and the second was Feb. 14 at Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte.

Cummings reviewed comments Justice made about not knowing anything about Jeremiah's medical history other than what Swafford had told him and multiple incidents of her not taking care of Jeremiah. Justice said Swafford would get mad at the toddler when he didn't cooperate with her and that she called him names and hit him with a belt.

According to Justice, she said things such as "I'm going to give you back to your daddy" and "I'm going to wring your neck."

Justice also talked about Swafford's troubled family life and how daily calls from her mother and grandmother "made her mad."

In both interviews, Justice repeatedly denied he had anything to do with Jeremiah's death or knew anything about what had happened to him. . . .

After Kiser, the prosecution called John Michael Rowe with the Verizon Wireless Atlanta office to review records of telephone calls made to and from Justice's apartment on Feb. 13, 2009. The first call at 9:25 a.m. was incoming and went to voice mail; the second, at 9:56 a.m., was answered by someone at the residence; it lasted 75 seconds. . . .

Crime scene evidence presented on Monday included Spider-Man sheets and pillows taken from Jeremiah's bed in the apartment.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/01/24/2953285/jury-visits-where-jeremiah-died.html

[badfish76]

Makes me fucking sick.

In this instance I really wonder if it was dear old mom and worthless penis was the by stander that did nothing.

I hate these people and think they both should be tied out and eaten by fire ants.

Keep us updated on this one.

[Tundratot]

SHELBY A former jail inmate testifying for the defense in the first-degree murder trial of Dwight Stacy Justice said Tuesday that his wife, Kathy Lynn Swafford, had admitted behind bars she'd caused the fatal injuries to her 2-year-old son, Jeremiah Swafford, in 2009. . . .

"She asked me, 'What do you think they'll do with me?' " Bonner testified. "When I told her she'd probably spend the rest of her life in prison, she said if she was going to spend the rest of her in prison so was he (Justice.)"

Thirty minutes later, Bonner said Swafford came up with another story - this time that her husband had killed the toddler.

During Tuesday's testimony, another ex-cellmate also implicated Swafford in the boy's death. . . .


Outside the presence of the jury, Swafford was called to the witness stand Tuesday morning by Justice's attorney, Ted Cummings of Hickory. Looking pale and tense, she didn't make eye contact with her husband, who also looked away.

After her attorney, Fred Flowers of Shelby, and Superior Court Judge Robert Ervin provided reminders of her Fifth Amendment rights, Swafford said she didn't want to testify.

While the jury was still out, Allison Harrison of Shelby recalled a conversation with Swafford in February 2011, when they were both inmates at the Cleveland County Detention Center. Harrison had heard the story about Jeremiah and asked Swafford whether it was hard being in jail.

According to Harrison, Swafford replied that it was hard and that she'd received threats from inmates. Harrison told her "you don't have to answer to anybody but God."

Later, when Harrison asked whether Swafford had been praying, "She said she was afraid to. She said she didn't know if God would forgive her."

Harrison said Swafford described how she couldn't remember what happened to Jeremiah, but that "she remembered getting angry and shaking the baby. She said, 'I can't remember what I did.' I told her I didn't want to hear any more."

Ervin ruled Harrison's testimony inadmissible, but he allowed Bonner's testimony.

Inmate's testimony

Speaking from a wheelchair after a recent hospital stay, Bonner testified that she'd known Swafford for several months in 2009. Sitting in Bonner's jail cell, they talked daily and became close.

Talking about the events of Feb. 13, 2009, Bonner said Swafford originally described how she'd slammed Jeremiah's head on the wooden end of a couch and then tossed him onto the bed.

But she shifted the blame to her husband, saying he'd pressed his knees with all his weight into Jeremiah's stomach and hit him three times in the forehead with a flashlight.

Swafford said her husband told her to go to bed and she did, falling asleep, Bonner said. The next morning, Swafford said she found Jeremiah on the floor "with his eyes rolling in his head," Bonner said.

Bonner said she told Swafford, "If that's true, you need to let your attorney know."

Meanwhile, there were elements of the story that didn't sound right to Bonner. She testified how at one time Swafford called her husband "sweet" and said he'd never harm Jeremiah.

Bonner described "practice trials" inmates held in jail - playing the roles of defendants, lawyers and judges. They ran through scenarios of how to testify in court. Playing the part of Swafford's lawyer, Bonner said she advised Swafford not to tell the story about Justice harming Jeremiah in a real court.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/01/26/2959205/shelby-jury-to-decide-fate-of.html

How stupid do you have to be to tell other inmates what really happened if your trial hasn't come up? Hasn't anyone ever heard of how this goes down? They all seem to have heard of making deals in exchange for testimony . . . This has all worked in Justice's favor, though. I now have doubts about what he did.

[Tundratot]

In his closing argument, defense attorney Ted Cummings told the jury that Justice didn't take the witness stand because he'd already said everything he knew about the case in three interviews conducted by law enforcement officers.

"He can't tell you any more," said Cummings. "He's said, 'I didn't do it and I didn't see her (Swafford) do it.' " . . .

Cummings replayed the 911 tape for the jury on Wednesday, asking them to listen closely to the first few seconds, when, he said, Kathy Swafford could be heard in the background

In the tape, Justice told the dispatcher the toddler was sick and maybe had fallen out of bed. As he talks, a woman moans, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry." . . .

Cleveland County Assistant District Attorney Bill Young told the jury Justice has "never got his story straight."

Young played audio clips to illustrate Justice's inconsistencies in interviews with law enforcement officers.

Young reminded the jury Justice had said he was awakened by his wife around noon on Feb. 13 and found Jeremiah unresponsive in bed. But the 911 call wasn't made until 1:17 p.m.

"What was going on?" Young asked. "The cleanup. The coverup."

Justice's claim that he didn't see blood in Jeremiah's bed was "ridiculous," Young told the jury. "Are we a bunch of idiots? I'm asking you to use your common sense."

Under the law, Young said, Justice is guilty of aiding and abetting even if he didn't physically harm Jeremiah.

Jeremiah, who had a birthday coming up on March 7, 2009, "did not make it to three because the defendant beat him to death or failed in his duty to look after that little boy."

Acts of omission "make him just as guilty," Young said.

http://www.dreamindemon.com/forums/showthread.php?13733-Kathy-Swafford-marries-her-penis-son-dies-4-days-later&p=592421#post592421

[Whisper]

http://i44.tinypic.com/afbrxf.jpg
Dwight Stacy Justice reacts to autopsy images presented in court.

Justice guilty of child abuse, not first-degree murder

SHELBY - A Cleveland County jury this morning found Dwight Justice guilty of felony child abuse, but not guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his 2-year-old stepson.

Justice, 45, was charged with first-degree murder and felony child abuse in Jeremiah Swafford's beating death. A medical examiner has testified that the boy died Feb. 14, 2009, from blunt-force trauma to his head.

His wife, Kathy Lynn Swafford, was also charged with first-degree murder and felony child abuse and will be tried in March.

A former jail inmate testifying for the defense last week in Justice's trial said that Swafford had admitted behind bars she'd caused the fatal injuries to the toddler.

Jeanette Bonner of Shelby testified Swafford described how she'd picked Jeremiah up by his feet and slammed his head into a wooden part of a couch.
[...]
Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/01/30/2971585/justice-guilty-of-child-abuse.html#storylink=cpy

[colleen]

The bad thing about this case is that it if a matter of "he said; she said". However, I feel that both individuals are guilty. What one did, the other person knew that if was NOT a safe situation for this child. The is NOT actual proof of who did the actual damage.

[redsaid]

“He was hit so hard the bruises of the hand was still on his face,” said Cindy Cochran, Jeremiah’s great-aunt. “They popped out the tube in his ear.”

Also, black eyes, bruises on his stomach?? I'd have called the police and made a report. DCF wouldn't have been able to blow off the po-po. Poor grandmom, having to live with this the rest of her life. I believe the people who try to do the right thing live with more guilt that the perps.

RIP, Jeremiah.

after hangin' around DD I will always call the cops before cps. CPS fails far too often

[Tundratot]

The jury’s decision means Justice won’t serve life in prison without parole. He faces six to 15 years in prison, pending sentencing from a judge. . . .

One juror, who spoke to The Star on condition of anonymity, said jurors had to compromise to reach a unanimous decision. Three jurors wanted to acquit Justice, while others wanted to convict him of first- or second-degree murder.

“I wasn’t going to vote not guilty for sure — so we made concessions and finally came to that decision,” said the juror. “Compromised verdict? Yes it was.” . . .

“I felt like the child was abused before the murder,” the juror told The Star. “I contended all along that Stacy could have, should have and didn’t notify somebody that he needed help.”

The juror told The Star that he or she thought some of the fellow jurors were disgruntled with the state and factored those frustrations into their decision to try to acquit Justice. . . .

Ann Roberts, jury forewoman, said the trial was very difficult for the 12 jurors.

“We just did the best we could,” Roberts said from the courthouse parking lot after jurors had been dismissed.

"The fact that everybody’s different and they had different feelings on things” made coming to a unanimous decision difficult, she said. "We did our job." . . .

Bobby Swafford, Jeremiah’s grandson and Kathy Swafford’s father, isn’t satisfied with the jury’s decision.

“I just don’t think it’s fair myself,” he said when reached by phone Monday evening.

Bobby Swafford wasn’t in the courtroom Monday to hear the verdict, but another family member gave him the news.

“It was shocking as hell,” he said.

Bobby Swafford said he plans to attend his daughter’s trial, which is scheduled to begin in March.http://www.shelbystar.com/articles/trial-61666-verdict-jury.html

[Aspasia]

Did this jury come from Pinellas County, too?

[Silvahalo]

This cases is so heart breaking.


"He just loved oranges," Mayes said.
"As long as he had his ... oranges and a bite of a Big Mac, he was the happiest boy on earth,". . .
Big Mac's and oranges in heaven little Jeremiah Ray.
http://i34.tinypic.com/atstc.jpg

[Whisper]

Wow Im liking this trend lately Jorelys killer dead and now this one

Man convicted of abuse in child's death dies in prison

CLEVELAND COUNTY, N.C. —
The man convicted of felony child abuse last week in the death of a 2-year-old Cleveland County boy died in his jail cell, officials confirmed Tuesday morning.

Officials have not said how Dwight Justice died.
According to officials, the jailer saw Justice and waved to him early Tuesday morning, but was later alerted by Justice’s cellmate to a potential problem. Justice usually snored and he was not Tuesday morning, his cellmate told officials.
When the jailer checked Justice, he was not breathing.
An SBI investigation is forming to determine whether Justice died of natural causes or if foul play was involved.
Justice died little more than a week after he was convicted of abusing Jeremiah Swafford, his stepson.
Last Monday, Justice was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs after the jury returned a guilty verdict on felony child abuse, but could not reach a consensus on a sentence.
[...]
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/man-convicted-abuse-child-death-dies-prison/nHWwh/

[Whisper]

Bit more info

SHELBY, NC (WBTV) - A Cleveland County man who was found guilty of felony child abuse last week in the death of his toddler stepson has been found dead in jail.

According to the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office, Dwight Justice was found dead in the Cleveland County Detention Center early Tuesday morning at 5:15 a.m. Deputies say they suspect natural causes in Justice's death.

Officials say Justice was alive at 2 a.m. Tuesday morning when the jailer was doing rounds. Later, Justice's cellmate told a jailer that he usually snored, but wasn't snoring and should be checked on.
The jailer couldn't find a pulse on Justice. Sheriff's deputies say suicide is not suspected in his death.

Justice was awaiting sentencing after he was found guilty of felony child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury in the 2009 death of 2-year-old Jeremiah Swafford. Justice, who was also facing murder charges, was found not guilty of first degree murder.
[...]http://www.wbtv.com/story/16694267/step-dad-convicted-in-deadly-child-abuse-case-dies-in-jail

[Jerri Blank]

Wow Im liking this trend lately Jorelys killer dead and now this one

Man convicted of abuse in child's death dies in prison
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/man-convicted-abuse-child-death-dies-prison/nHWwh/

I totally agree! let the child murderer's heads a roll!

[Tundratot]

What?!!!! Is it Christmas?!! Fabulous! Yay!!!!

[Silvahalo]

It would be absotutlyfabulous to find out he died chocking on a big Mac. . . fucker.

[BreakTheSilence]

This was one beautiful baby boy. Jeremiah was a perfect angel and sadly is now truly an angel. Dwight Justice dying in jail is poetic justice. Baby boy gets justice with at least one of his killers. I do not buy for a minute that this animal wasn't involved. Even if he didn't put his hands on baby boy, he KNEW what was going on in his house and failed to protect this child and that makes him a killer in my book as much as the egg donor. Let's hope the jury gets it right with her and sends her to prison for life without parole. Baby boy barely lived 1000 days. My heart breaks for him and all the suffering he was caused. I pray for the family who tried to help him. I hope one day Grandma and those who truly tried to help this child can find peace and a way to move forward and live their lives to honor Jeremiah's memory.

Rest In Peace Jeremiah! Fly with the Angels Precious! I'm sure God has some Big Macs up there for you and lots of oranges.

[Tundratot]

Dwight Stacy Justice died in jail from natural causes, according to the county coroner.

Cleveland County Coroner Dwight Tessneer said Wednesday afternoon that Justice died from a brain aneurysm when blood vessels ruptured at the base of his brain. Tessneer said he didn't perform the 45-year-old's autopsy, but he received the autopsy findings from the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner's Office. . . .

Tessneer said Justice died of natural causes, and foul play wasn’t involved. Tessneer explained that an aneurysm can be inside the body for years before it ruptures.

Sheriff Alan Norman said during a Tuesday press conference he requested assistance from the State Bureau of Investigation to look into Justice’s death and determine whether a crime was committed. Norman said Wednesday that the SBI will continue looking into the incident, even though Justice died of natural causes.

“I requested the (SBI investigation) simply because I felt that it’s better to have an outside agency do a parallel investigation that’s impartial and independent of the investigation that we conduct,” Norman said. “That helps instill public trust within the Sheriff’s Office and from the citizens of the county.” . . .

Kathy Lynn Swafford, who is Justice’s wife and Jeremiah’s mother, will stand trial for the murder of her son in March. Kathy Lynn Swafford’s attorney, Fred Flowers, requested the trial be moved outside of Cleveland County because of pre-trial publicity surrounding the case. The trial will be held in Lincoln County.http://www.shelbystar.com/news/dwight-61878-justice-shelby.html

The only downside to this could be that Justice won't be available to testify against the momster. I hope she doesn't get off because of this.

[Whisper]

Man guilty in fatal child abuse case died from brain aneurysm in jail

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) - The Cleveland County coroner says a man found dead in his jail cell days after being convicted of child abuse died of natural causes.

Coroner Dwight Tessneer says the results of an autopsy by the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner's Office show that 45-year-old Dwight Stacy Justice died of a brain aneurysm.

Justice was convicted of child abuse but found innocent of first-degree murder last week in the death of his stepson, 2-year-old Jeremiah Swafford.

Justice was found dead in his jail cell Tuesday morning, after his cellmate alerted authorities that Justice had stopped snoring.
[/..]http://www.wbtv.com/story/16897221/coroner-dwight-justice-died-from-brain-aneurrysm

[Dakota Valkyrie]

http://i0.simplest-image-hosting.net/168bf183b2abe8bc9188aacc163dd507/20120309-02.jpg
A tearful Kathy Lynn Swafford on Thursday pleaded guilty in a Cleveland County court to second-degree murder and felony child abuse in the 2009 death of her 2-year-old son, Jeremiah Swafford.

Kathy Swafford, 23, was scheduled to go on trial Monday in Lincolnton on charges of first-degree murder and felony child abuse. If convicted, she could have been sentenced to life without parole.

On Thursday, she was sentenced to a minimum of 18 years but will get credit for the three years she’s already served.

Swafford told Judge Robert Ervin she was not guilty and her lawyer, Fred Flowers, said Swafford had decided that accepting the plea agreement “was in her best interest under the circumstances.”

But Donna Willis, who had talked with Swafford, was upset with her niece’s decision.

“She didn’t want any more time and wanted to get it over with,” Willis said. “I think she should have gone ahead with the trial. She swore to me she didn’t do it. That’s all she’s ever said to all of us. Now, people will think she done it. That’s what bothers me.”

Willis still believes in Swafford’s innocence.

“I do not believe her hands killed Jeremiah,” Willis said. “No, I do not.”
[...]

The defense in the Justice trial called Swafford as a witness, but she declined to testify, citing her First Amendment rights.

Jeannette Boner, a former jail inmate, testified for the defense that Swafford had admitted behind bars she caused the fatal injuries to her son by picking him up by his feet and slamming his head into a wooden part of a couch.

“She asked me, ‘What do you think they’ll do with me?’” Bonner testified. “When I told her she’d probably spend the rest of her life in prison, she said if she was going to spend the rest of her life in prison so was he (Justice.)”

Three minutes later, Bonner said Swafford came up with another story – this time that her husband had killed the toddler.

On Thursday, Swafford showed no emotion in court until the judge asked one last time if she had anything to say.

“I want to tell my family I love them,” she said, crying.

Flowers told the court that Swafford, who has an eighth-grade education, recognizes there are opportunities in prison “and she plans to take advantage of them.”

Swafford’s father, Bobby Swafford, said her decision to plead guilty “was probably in her best interest. They were gonna put it on somebody.”

He maintained that his daughter was innocent, saying “God took care” of the guilty party.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/03/09/3081841/mother-pleads-guilty-in-death.html

[Whisper]

“I do not believe her hands killed Jeremiah,” Willis said. “No, I do not.”


Doesnt take only hands to kill a baby,stupidity and looking the other way while your penis beats your baby to death is exactly the same fucking thing as your hands on that baby

[Tundratot]

"They were gonna put it on somebody."Because somebody did it. His head didn't just generate injuries out of thin air.

http://www.shelbystar.com/news/plead-62583-shelby-guilty.html
Swafford’s mother, Kathy Jean Swafford, said she’s now lost a daughter and her only grandchild. During Swafford’s sentencing, Kathy Jean Swafford wore a shirt with Jeremiah’s photo printed on the front.


Swafford’s attorney, Fred Flowers, said his client maintains her innocence. Swafford pleaded guilty because, as Flowers told the court, she thinks the plea deal is in her best interest.
So, she's trying to make her family, friends, and community ignore the evidence of guilty before them, including the fact she doesn't think she can be found innocent, even as she goes to prison. I think that's a chump move. She also claimed she would testify at her husband's trial, then took the fifth. She'll look out for number one and all of her deluded family seems poised to support her in that.

“I just don’t think it’s right,” Kathy Jean Swafford said with tears in her eyes. “She’s just 23 years old. She’ll be 38 when she gets out. Her life will be over.”Not over enough. I'm well over 38, had my second baby over 38, and expect to be around to raise him to adulthood. Her life will unfortantely not even have reached a middle.

[Dakota Valkyrie]

Not over enough. I'm well over 38, had my second baby over 38, and expect to be around to raise him to adulthood. Her life will unfortantely not even have reached a middle.
Good point, TT. I detest people that that take "poor me" stances on things but in this case, I encourage the mentality, although not because of her age, but because of what she's done. I hope Swafford continues to feel like her life is over (with the obvious help of her supporters).

[Jerri Blank]

I detest people that that take "poor me" stances on things but in this case, I encourage the mentality, although not because of her age, but because of what she's done.
I hope Swafford continues to feel like her life is over (with the obvious help of her supporters).

Wish Granted!! :love2:

Jeremiah’s mom from prison: I’m no baby killer

Baby killer: Kathy Lynn Swafford knows they whisper that behind her back in prison.

The looks she gets from other inmates also express contempt for a crime that even prisoners consider unthinkable.

Swafford, a 24-year-old mother from Cleveland County, is serving time for killing her own child.

In March, Swafford pleaded guilty in Cleveland County Superior Court to second-degree murder and felony child abuse in the 2009 death of her 2-year-old son, Jeremiah Swafford. The blonde-haired toddler died of blunt force trauma to the head.

Along with her husband, Dwight Stacy Justice, Swafford had been charged with first-degree murder and faced a sentence of life without parole. A jury had already found Justice, 45, guilty of felony child abuse. He was awaiting sentencing when he died of a brain aneurysm Feb. 7, about a week after the trial.

But even though a jury convicted his stepfather, and even though his mother pleaded guilty, what happened to Jeremiah is still unclear.

Before sentencing in March, Swafford told a judge she was innocent.

In a recent interview with the Observer, the first she has given since Jeremiah’s death, she said she pleaded guilty only because she feared she’d get a life sentence.

But her insistence that she’s blameless didn’t stop the murmurings of “child murderer” when she got to the state prison.

At first, she couldn’t take it. In early April, several weeks after she’d arrived at the N.C. Correctional Institution for Women in Raleigh and shortly before her 24th birthday, Swafford cut her wrist.

After the suicide attempt, whispers continued. The taunts still hurt – just not as bad.

“I’m used to hurting,” she said. “All it does is make me stronger.” [...]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/06/28/3341830/jeremiahs-mom-from-prison-im-no.html


More pitiful me crap at link

[Tundratot]

At first, she couldn’t take it. In early April, several weeks after she’d arrived at the N.C. Correctional Institution for Women in Raleigh and shortly before her 24th birthday, Swafford cut her wrist.

After the suicide attempt, whispers continued. The taunts still hurt – just not as bad.

“I’m used to hurting,” she said. “All it does is make me stronger.”

Tut, tut, dear.

[DamagedGoods]

Swafford cut her wrist.

Who wants to take bets that she cut the wrong way?