LIVE OAK, FL – A Florida couple have been arrested in connection with the death of a 2-year-old boy who investigators say suffered severe injuries and was found with bruises and burns when emergency responders arrived at their Suwannee County home earlier this month.
Christian Parnell, 33, and her boyfriend, Curtis David Willey, also 33, are each charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child following the death of Parnell’s toddler son on October 13, according to court records. If convicted, both could face up to 30 years in prison.
The investigation began after Suwannee County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a medical emergency at a home on 128th Path around 3 p.m. on October 13. Parnell reported her son was unresponsive, prompting the arrival of first responders who attempted lifesaving measures before rushing him to a nearby hospital. The child was pronounced dead just over an hour later.
Authorities say the toddler’s body showed evidence of head trauma, extensive bruising on his legs and groin, and marks resembling cigarette burns. An affidavit notes that medical personnel immediately found the injuries to be suspicious, and the severity suggested a history of abuse.
During interviews with detectives, Parnell stated her son was hurt after falling from a bed while playing with Willey’s four-year-old son on the night of October 4. She was not present at the time of the alleged incident and only learned of it afterward, according to her statements. At first, the injury appeared minor, she claimed, resulting only in slight swelling and minor bruising.
However, the mother admitted that as days passed, her son’s head became swollen, his mouth was discolored, and he appeared increasingly lethargic, losing his appetite and energy. Despite these concerning signs, Parnell did not seek medical attention for her son over the following ten days. Police documents indicate she kept him away from daycare, citing the difficulty of explaining the nature of his injuries.
Willey told investigators a similar account of the initial injury, stating he heard a loud noise coming from the bedroom and entered to find the boy with swelling to his forehead and a bleeding mouth. Willey said he believed the child had only minor injuries and did not remember any subsequent incidents that might have caused additional harm.
Detectives noted that neither caretaker sought medical treatment despite the worsening symptoms and the severity of the injuries. Investigators determined the physical evidence did not align with the accounts provided by Parnell or Willey. According to police, the boy’s suffering was prolonged over more than a week, during which no action was taken to address his obvious need for medical care.
Authorities say the failure to provide medical attention amounted to gross neglect that resulted in the child’s death. Both Parnell and Willey have served in parental or custodial roles for several months prior to the incident, investigators said, and were fully aware of their responsibility to care for the child’s well-being.
As of Wednesday, the pair remained in custody at the Suwannee County Jail without bond. Jail records did not show a scheduled court appearance for either defendant.
Officials say additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues. The case has prompted renewed calls for community vigilance and awareness around the signs of child abuse.