TAVARES, Fla. – A 10-year-old boy is still in critical condition nearly a month after presenting to the hospital “fighting for his life” following torture at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend, Tavares police say.
Sharing the update Wednesday on social media, the Tavares Police Department said it was responding to the requests of many concerned citizens, adding it was still diligently working on the case.
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, who told investigators about how “he and his older brother suffered unspeakable torment,” police said, adding his bravery gave the agency “the determination to ensure that justice is served.”
Searching the home, police discovered a ladder, a 10-pound weight, and duct tape, a news 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, according to police.
“The sheer brutality of these acts is indescribable,” the release states.
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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.