TAVARES, Fla. – Tavares police on Wednesday shared “horrifying details” in what investigators call the torture of two young boys at the hands of their mother and her boyfriend.
Kimberley Mills, 37, and Andre Walker, 36, were arrested in February after the two took Mills’ 10-year-old son to the hospital. The boy was suffering from cardiac arrest — covered in bruises, burn marks and other injuries — and was still in critical condition at the time of this report, according to police. Upon learning that law enforcement was on their way to the hospital, Mills and Walker fled, police said. Mills later returned with the boy’s younger brother, according to investigators.
(PREVIOUS COVERAGE | STORY CONTINUES BELOW)
Police commended the younger boy for his courage in then helping detectives uncover the manner of the alleged child abuse.
According to Wednesday’s news release from the Tavares Police Department, investigators say the boy told them about how “he and his older brother suffered unspeakable torment,” adding his bravery has since given the agency “the determination to ensure that justice is served.”
Searching the home, police discovered a 6-foot ladder, a 10-pound weight and duct tape, the release states. Investigators said these items were used to restrain the older child — his hands bound above his head — while the weight was intentionally dropped onto his exposed stomach. Additionally, a copper wire was found which detectives determined was used to inflict further harm on the boys, police said.
“The sheer brutality of these acts is indescribable,” the release states.
The release included photos of a red sweatshirt with duct tape around its sleeves, pictured at the top of this story. Police believe it’s what the 10-year-old was wearing while he was being tortured. This article of clothing, along with gray sweatpants also wrapped with duct tape, was located outside in a trash bin, police said. The copper wire was found in the 10-year-old’s bedroom, according to the release.
Mills faces charges of tampering with evidence, two counts of aggravated child abuse, two counts of child neglect and two counts of accessory to aggravated child abuse, police said. Walker faces charges of tampering with evidence, two counts of aggravated child abuse and two counts of accessory to aggravated child abuse, according to the agency.
The agency is working with the Tavares Police Charity to help the boys’ family. Anyone who would like to provide donations can drop them off at the police department or click here to reach the Tavares Police Charities Fund.