NEWTON COUNTY – The Newton County Sheriff’s Department, along with the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, is investigating an incident in which a 2-year-old child suffered a gunshot wound to the leg.
According to Sheriff Joedy Pennington, the department was notified by a local hospital on Oct. 3 and investigators later determined the shooting occurred on Sept. 16.
Five people have been charged in connection with the case.
- Jaycob Boykin and Sylvania Wiltcher are each charged with child neglect, child abuse, and tampering with evidence. Their bonds are set at $50,000 each.
- Katelyn Carmichael is charged with child neglect and hindering prosecution, with bond set at $30,000.
- Gregory Palmer is charged with child neglect and has a bond of $15,000.
- Robert Dearing II is also charged with child neglect, with a $10,000 bond.
All five suspects have had their initial appearance before a Justice Court judge.
Pennington said the investigation remains ongoing, but the child is expected to make a full recovery.
