10-Year-Old Florida Boy in Critical Condition After Alleged Severe Abuse; Mother and Man Arrested
TAVARES, FL – A 10-year-old boy remains in critical condition after being brought to a hospital with extensive injuries, prompting police to describe the case as one of extreme child abuse and torture.
According to Tavares Police, the child was dropped off at AdventHealth Waterman hospital by his mother, Kimberley Mills, and another man, Andre Walker, on Saturday. Medical staff immediately recognized severe signs of abuse, including bruises in various stages of healing, burn marks, and other injuries. Doctors performed life-saving measures before transferring the boy to Arnold Palmer Children’s Hospital, where he continues to fight for his life.
Mother and Accomplice Arrested
Authorities said Mills, a registered nurse, performed CPR on the boy upon arrival at the hospital, but both she and Walker quickly left after learning that police were on their way. While Mills later returned with her other son, Walker did not.
Walker, 36, turned himself in to police on Monday and has been charged with accessory after the fact for aggravated child abuse. Mills was arrested for aggravated child abuse after declining to answer investigators’ questions regarding the child’s injuries.
Meanwhile, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has taken custody of the victim’s sibling.
Horrific Injuries and Investigation
Detective Courtney Sullivan of the Tavares Police Department became emotional while discussing the extent of the child’s injuries.
“It is clear to this agency that this child underwent gruesome abuse,” Sullivan said. “He is covered head to toe … in various-sized bruises that are in different stages of healing.”
Police have since searched Mills’ residence on Dora Avenue, gathering evidence to build a case against those responsible.
Community in Shock
Neighbors expressed disbelief upon learning of the allegations.
“If you gave birth to him, how could you beat him up? That’s why I keep thinking the man must have been involved. I don’t know,” said neighbor Mary Phillips.
Others said they never noticed signs of abuse.
“I thought everything was alright. But when I seen this, I was shocked,” said Rickey Cannon, another neighbor.
The children’s biological father has traveled from out of state to be with his sons.
Authorities continue their investigation, and additional charges could be filed as new evidence emerges.
