Text messages between two people now charged in the death of a 3-year-old Brevard County boy in June discuss the child’s injuries and concern over a visit from the Department of Children and Families, according to an arrest affidavit in the case.
The affidavit centers around the death of Jameson Nance of West Melbourne, who was found dead on June 11, according to a report from WESH.
Now facing first-degree murder charges in the boy’s death are Joshua Manns, 25, and Erica Dotson, 27. Dotson also faces charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child and aggravated child abuse. Manns has also been charged with aggravated child abuse and child neglect with great bodily harm.
The two remain in custody at the Brevard County Jail.
The affidavit stated the two suspects referred to the victim as a “jerk” in texts, and at one point wrote, “Sorry he’s being such a (vulgarity),” according to the WESH report. Another time, Dotson texted Manns, “clean the whole house because [Child Protective Services] will be there in the morning.”
The affidavit also detailed previous injuries Nance reportedly sustained before his death including broken bones, black eyes and burns, WESH reported.
At the time of his death, law enforcement found Nance had several bruises and his face was swollen with signs of trauma, the affidavit stated. It said Dotson told authorities that she had gone to work and left Nance in Manns’ care. Manns then called her and told her that Nance was dead or likely dead after drowning, according to the WESH report.
Dotson called 911 after learning Manns had not, and gave emergency responders Manns’ phone number so they could instruct him how to perform CPR, but he had already fled the area, according to the affidavit.
Manns was apprehended in Tifton, Georgia on June 28.
An autopsy showed signs of “battered child syndrome,” according to WESH.
Read more at WESH.com.
