PROGRESS REPORT: By Middlesboro Police Department in 17 Month-old Toddler Death Investigation

Progress report in 17-month-old toddler death investigation by Middlesboro Police Department August 4 at 2:43 PM
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Progress report in 17-month-old toddler death investigation.

MIDDLESBORO, KY - According to the Middlesboro Police Department Facebook page, on Friday, July 28, 2023, the Middlesboro Police Department began investigating a tragic incident resulting in the death of a 17-month-old female toddler.

Since the investigation began, the child’s mother Erica Lawson has been arrested by Lt. Detective Barry Cowan and is being held in jail on a $1,000,000 cash bond. She has an upcoming preliminary hearing date of Tuesday, August 8, 2023.

Lt. Detective Cowan and joint investigator Officer Caleb Ayers have been diligently looking into hundreds of leads which have included multiple interviews.

Along with evidence gathered in the investigation was DNA from subjects questioned as to their role in this incident. That DNA has been sent for testing which will assist our officers in bringing the culprits to justice.

Our department is making every effort to follow proper protocol to build a case that will assist the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office in prosecuting the offenders to the fullest extent of the law.

If you have information that may contribute to this investigation, please call Middlesboro Dispatch at 606-248-3636. All calls will be kept confidential.

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Charges
MANSLAUGHTER 2ND DEGREE
Code Court Date Court Type Court Name Status Offense Date Arrest Date Arresting Agency Bond Type Bond Amount
09202 PENDING 2023-07-30 MIDDLESBORO PD BOND 1000000.00
FAILURE TO REPORT CHILD DEPEND NEGLECT/ABUSE 1ST OFF
Code Court Date Court Type Court Name Status Offense Date Arrest Date Arresting Agency Bond Type Bond Amount
02795 PENDING 2023-07-30 MIDDLESBORO PD 0.00
CRIMINAL ABUSE 1ST DEGREE CHILD UNDER12
Code Court Date Court Type Court Name Status Offense Date Arrest Date Arresting Agency Bond Type Bond Amount
PENDING 2023-07-31 MIDDLESBORO PD 0.00
WANTON ENDANGERMENT-1ST DEGREE
Code Court Date Court Type Court Name Status Offense Date Arrest Date Arresting Agency Bond Type Bond Amount
13201 PENDING 2023-07-31 MIDDLESBORO PD 0.00
Other Info
Sched Release:
Middle Name: L
Suffix:
Alias:
Current Age: 21
Booking Date: 7/30/2023 11:58:00 PM
Date Released: 8/1/2023 8:17:21 AM
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 115 lbs
Hair Color: RED/AUBURN
Eye Color: BROWN
Race: WHITE
Sex: F
Arresting Officer: B.COWAN
Badge: 578
Arresting Agency: MIDDLESBORO PD
Arrest Date: 07/30/2023
Address: MOUNT VERNON, KY
Zip: 40456

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https://www.cityofmiddlesboro.com/about-us  ABOUT THE CITY OF MIDDLESBORO

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A woman who faces charges in the death of her 17-month-old daughter in Middlesboro, after she was sexually assaulted, decided to waive her right to a preliminary hearing last Tuesday, August 8, 2023.

On Aug. 4, the Middlesboro Police Department said they were using DNA test results to identify other suspects in the young girl's death. Fugate said they were able to expedite six DNA samples and results are expected to return in as soon as three weeks.