In a tragic and harrowing case from Aone County, South Carolina, a four-year-old boy named Isaiah Latimer has died under circumstances that law enforcement authorities are now investigating as a homicide. His parents, 30-year-old Joshua Latimer, a former state trooper with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, and 29-year-old Destiny Dion, have been charged with homicide by child abuse and unlawful conduct toward a child after the boy was found severely malnourished and unresponsive at their home.
On September 19, 2023, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) were dispatched to the Latimer-Dion residence following a call regarding a child in cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, EMTs quickly determined that the situation warranted further investigation, prompting the call for the coroner. It was soon confirmed that Isaiah had passed away, leading to a criminal inquiry into his death.
According to arrest warrants, at the time of his death, Isaiah weighed a mere 21 pounds, significantly under the expected weight range of 30 to 40 pounds for a child of his age. Authorities reported that his physical condition was alarming, with visible ribs, sunken eyes, and signs of severe malnutrition. The warrants allege that Latimer and Dion exhibited “an extreme indifference to life” by failing to provide medical care for their son, despite being aware of his deteriorating condition.
Both parents were arrested shortly after the initial investigation, initially facing charges related to placing a child at unreasonable risk. However, the charges escalated to homicide by child abuse days later as further evidence emerged. If convicted, they could face a prison sentence ranging from 20 years to life.
The couple’s history as parents has come under scrutiny, particularly as Isaiah’s obituary described him as a joyful child with a bright smile and infectious laughter. Eyewitness accounts and photographs from a wedding website reveal a stark contrast between the vibrant child depicted and the tragic circumstances of his death.
In addition to Isaiah, a two-year-old boy also resided in the home, raising concerns about his safety and well-being. Authorities indicated that the living conditions in the Latimer-Dion household may have put this child at risk as well.
Dr. Nata Rutherford, the coroner for Richland County, discussed the implications of Isaiah’s condition during a recent interview. She highlighted the extreme nature of the malnutrition and dehydration that the boy likely faced, emphasizing that children can suffer life-threatening consequences from neglect within days. Dr. Rutherford indicated that diagnostic tests following the autopsy would be vital in determining the exact nature of Isaiah’s death, including potential signs of dehydration or neglect.
The investigation into Isaiah’s death has raised broader questions about the systems in place to protect vulnerable children. Child fatality reviews will be conducted to assess whether any warning signs were missed and to evaluate the effectiveness of existing child protection protocols.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a stark reminder of the tragic realities of child abuse and the urgent need for community vigilance. Authorities hope that increased awareness may lead to more proactive measures in identifying and reporting signs of neglect and abuse before it is too late.
