In a harrowing case in Texas, a mother stood by while her boyfriend fatally beat her 9-year-old son, identified as Kendrick, and subsequently left his siblings to live with his decomposing body for a year.
The 38-year-old mother, identified as G. Williams, recently pleaded guilty to causing serious bodily injury by omission in the wake of her son’s death.
One of Kendrick’s 15-year-old siblings boldly called 911 in October 2021, revealing the horrific happenings. After Kendrick’s death in late 2020, he and his two younger siblings, ages 7 and 10, lived with his remains in their apartment.
The police investigation found that Williams and her lover, B. Coulter, covered Kendrick’s body with a blue blanket and left to another flat, leaving the children in horrific conditions.
The emergency call led to Williams and Coulter’s arrest weeks later. A five-day bench trial found Coulter, 34, guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced him to life without parole in April.
The trial revealed horrible facts, including how Kendrick’s brothers saw Coulter strike him repeatedly. His younger brother described the horrible moment he watched till Kendrick “stopped blinking” during the assault.
This incident triggered major judicial and communal responses. Assistant DA C. Byrom said, “The death of Kendrick was so tragic, and because for so long there was no one to speak up for him, we felt like we had a duty to be his voice. We needed to get him justice.”
Edward A. Appelbaum, co-counsel, noted the emotional impact of trial details. Regardless of your race, this case would shake you to the core. The deed is awful, he remarked.
Williams was accused of failing to safeguard Kendrick and provide him with food, housing, and medical treatment. Since her guilty plea, she faces up to 55 years in jail at her November 11 sentence.
This case highlights the three surviving children who were left to fend for themselves. Authorities found them living alone, with the oldest caring for his younger siblings.
As the community reacts to their appalling abuse and neglect, child protective services are helping them survive.
As the legal case winds down, the focus is on preventing such catastrophes. The tragic example highlights the necessity for child welfare and community support system attention.
This story continues to resonate throughout the community and beyond, reminding us of the severe repercussions of negligence and the need of safeguarding the most vulnerable.