A North Carolina man has been arrested over a year after the tragic death of his 2-year-old son, with police holding him responsible.
Aaron Lynwood Carter, 27, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and felony child abuse on January 7... Continue reading here ▶
The charges come after an investigation into the death of his son, River, who passed away on December 2, 2023. According to the Moore County Sheriff’s Office, Carter left his toddler alone in a room for over 12 hours.
The room became dangerously hot due to a space heater, and when first responders arrived, River was pronounced dead.
Police and emergency responders had been called to a home in West End, about 85 miles east of Charlotte, after receiving a report about an unresponsive child. When they arrived, River was already deceased.
Investigators say Carter left his son “isolated” in the overheated room, leading to the fatal conditions. Findings from the medical examiner’s report and the police investigation resulted in Carter’s arrest.
He now faces two serious charges: involuntary manslaughter and felony child abuse causing serious injury.
While the official cause of death hasn’t been released, River’s obituary described him as a sweet and active child who loved making people smile and giving hugs. It said he enjoyed outdoor activities, animals, trucks, cars, music, and dancing, and had “so much character for a 2-year-old.”
Carter is being held at the Moore County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond. His next court date is set for Thursday.
