3-year-old boy pronounced dead at hospital, mother now charged with his murder: cops

A 3-year-old Maine boy was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead. Now, police say his 35-year-old mother has been charged with his murder.

Around 2:30 p.m. June 20, Maine State Police were notified about the death of a 3-year-old child.

The child, Maddox Williams, was taken by a family member to Waldo General Hospital and he was pronounced dead, authorities said.

The child's mother, Jessica Williams, told police that her son had been knocked down by a dog leash and kicked by his 8-year-old sister, according to the Bangor Daily News.

Medical examiners performed an autopsy on Maddox’s body and they determined his death was a homicide, police said. His death was caused by blunt-force trauma, according to the Daily News.

According to officials, detectives and evidence technicians have been working since June 20 conducting interviews and investigating the circumstances of Maddox’s death.

One sibling told police Maddox fell and hit his head on a rock, according to the Daily News. Another sibling said he was faking a seizure. 

However, medical officials said the stories about how Maddox was hurt were not supported by his injuries, which included bruises to his face and butt. The child also had teeth missing, according to the Daily News. 

“Dr. Lisa Funte stated Maddox’s injuries were too severe to be caused by kids playing, falling from a trampoline, or being knocked down by a puppy,” Maine State Police Detective Hugh Landry wrote in a criminal complaint. 

On June 23, detectives said they arrested Williams and charged her in connection with the death of her 3-year-old son.

Williams was arrested at the mother’s house and taken to Waldo County Jail, where she was charged with murder, police said.

Maddox’s great grandmother Judi Carter told News Center Maine, "The family is ecstatic about the arrest. We are relieved she is now in custody and we will sleep better tonight."