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Mechanicsville man charged with murder in death of 2-year-old boy

Posted at 6:32 PM, Apr 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-21 18:38:00-04

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. – A Mechanicsville man has been charged with first degree murder in the death of a two-year-old boy who was found unconscious inside his apartment Saturday, April 16.

Marcus S. Williams, 27, was previously charged with felony child neglect and malicious wounding before the boy’s death Sunday.

The child, James L. Brown, was rushed to VCU Medical Center, where he later died Sunday afternoon.

Marcus Williams (PHOTO: Hanover Sheriff's Office)

Marcus Williams (PHOTO: Hanover Sheriff’s Office)

“This was a difficult case for everyone involved. I am extremely proud of the outstanding work done by the first responders and investigators. The countless hours put into this case is yet another example of the commitment the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office have to this community. It is my prayer that this arrest begins the healing process for the family affected by this senseless act of violence,” said Colonel David R. Hines, Sheriff.

Hanover investigators said Williams lived in the Mechanicsville apartment complex with his girlfriend, the toddler’s mother.

They said the boy’s mother was at work this past weekend, when she left her two-year-old son in Williams’ care. The boy was found unconscious with “obvious signs of trauma.”

Williams is being held at the Pamunkey Regional Jail.

Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to contact the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at (804) 365-6140 or the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000. Citizens can also text Crime Stoppers at 274637 (CRIMES), using the keyword “iTip” followed by their tip. Both Crime Stoppers methods are anonymous.

Neighbors heard yelling and commotion

That morning neighbors tell CBS 6 they sensed something wasn’t right when they heard yelling and commotion coming from inside Williams’ apartment. They called sheriff’s deputies.

Neighbors said the tragic news is hard to understand.

Alex Markey said he saw Williams with the two-year-old from time to time.

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