At a press conference on Wednesday, Police Chief Malachi Sanders said 21-year-old Inyizia La’Jayila Scott, and 25-year-old Martavius Jawon Dean were taken into custody September 2. Both are charged with reckless child abuse resulting in death, a felony.
“After an extensive and thorough investigation by the Meridian Police Department, that includes all of our units, charges of reckless child abuse resulting in death have been filed,” Sanders said. “These charges reflect the seriousness of the circumstances and the evidence that was uncovered in our investigation.”
Sanders said investigators determined the child accessed a firearm that had been left unsecured inside the home.
“Based on the investigation, of course, the gun was just laying around, and a two-year-old can pick up a gun,” Sanders said. “Unfortunately, it turned out to be neglect on the parents’ position, because of course, that child got a hold of that weapon.”
The case began Aug. 7, when police were called to a home near 38th Avenue and 44th Street for reports of a shooting. Officers said at the time it was unclear whether the incident was accidental. Williams later died from his injuries.
Sanders said investigators conducted gunshot residue testing on those inside the home to help determine responsibility.
“As we move forward in the legal process, we remain mindful that at the heart of this case is the loss of a small child,” Sanders said. “We ask everyone in the community to keep the family of Josiah Williams in their prayers at this time.”
Mayor Percy Bland and Assistant Chiefs Patrick Gale and Dareall Thompson joined Sanders at the press conference.
The investigation is ongoing.
