Just before 7 a.m. on July 3rd, Lenoir County EMS personnel were dispatched to a medical call at a residence on the 700 block of Garland Avenue in Kinston. Sandy Bottom Volunteer Fire Department and Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office officials also responded to the call.

Despite lifesaving efforts, a preschool-aged child died at the scene. Two additional preschool-aged children were transported from the residence to UNC Lenoir Health Care for evaluation and treatment. Investigators from the Lenoir County Department of Social Services also responded to begin a parallel investigation.

Chason Walker, 28, of the Garland Avenue residence in Kinston, was arrested and charged with three counts of felony negligent child abuse and/or neglect. This investigation will continue pending the outcome of findings from the Office of the State Medical Examiner.

Walker was placed in the Lenoir County Jail under a secured bond for the above charges, in addition to an outstanding arrest warrant for felony larceny.

The investigation is still underway and LCSO and county officials will not be able to answer additional questions about this case until the investigation is complete.