Michigan – In a disturbing case in Michigan, a 29-year-old mother, identified as V. Hamilton, and her 29-year-old husband, identified as S. Shelton, have been found guilty of the murder of a 5-year-old boy and the beating of his younger brother, after a trial laden with emotional testimony and damning evidence. The harrowing details of abuse culminated in a swift verdict against Hamilton and Shelton.
The fatal abuse came to light when police responded to a distressing 911 call on January 22, 2023, from the couple’s residence. It was there that 5-year-old boy, identified as Ethan, was found deceased under circumstances so grim they shocked even seasoned law enforcement and child protection officers.
During the trial, prosecutors presented chilling evidence of the abuse both children endured. Ethan showed signs of having been beaten with cord-like objects, evident from the loop-shaped injuries covering his body.
Prosecutor M. Makepeace told the court that Ethan had been suffering from untreated injuries, including gan-rene on one of his toes. Other children in the home informed investigators that Shelton and Hamilton regularly beat Ethan and his brother. The children were also reportedly locked in a filthy basement. The court also heard that the basement conditions were horrific, with the children subjected to extreme cold and deprived of basic necessities.
Ethan’s aunt testified that she had reported suspicions of abuse to Child Protective Services (CPS) a year before Ethan’s death, but to no avail. She detailed past injuries, including Ethan having over 100 cigarette marks on his body and frostbi-ten feet. Despite multiple reports to CPS over the years, the children remained in the dangerous home environment.
During the trial, jurors were presented with evidence showing that Ethan was beaten with various objects, including a pipe, a belt, and a fly swatter. The injuries he sustained were so severe that he did not survive. Child witnesses testified about the abuse, and prosecutors introduced text messages where Hamilton expressed violent intentions towards her children.
Text messages between Hamilton and Shelton were particularly damning. In one message, Hamilton expressed to Shelton her fear of killing the children if she continued to beat them, stating she would “LEGIT KILL THEM.” Another text saw her admitting to “beating the dog s— out of them.” Further messages revealed that Hamilton poured cold water on Ethan and his younger brother while the children were locked in the freezing basement as a form of punishment. She also told Ethan he was never coming up from the basement.
Both Hamilton and Shelton now face the possibility of life imprisonment. Sentencing is pending, but the severity of the charges suggests they will spend the rest of their lives behind bars. Ethan’s extended family expressed frustration with the system, stating that multiple reports to CPS were made over the years, yet the children were allowed to remain in the abusive environment. The case highlights serious concerns about child welfare and the effectiveness of intervention by protective services.
