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Father of baby found dead now charged with murder
The father of a deceased 6-month-old did not receive bond after being arrested in connection with the case. He was originally arrested on drug charges, but now faces a malice murder charge. The baby’s twin was removed from the mother's care and placed in protective care.
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. - The father of a six-month-old boy whose body was found three days after being reported missing faces new charges including murder, according to police.
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What we know:
Late Wednesday evening, police said Antonio Pearce, the child’s father, now faces charges of malice murder, cruelty to children in the 1st degree, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence, concealing the death of another person, unlawful disposal of a human body, false statements, and false report of a crime.
Pearce was initially arrested on unrelated traffic and drug possession charges before becoming a suspect in his son’s death. Authorities say he had told police he was robbed at gunpoint and that the robbers kidnapped his baby from a car — a story investigators now say doesn’t hold up.
Investigators said inconsistencies in Pearce’s account led them to suspect foul play. The judge denied bond, citing Pierce’s criminal history and the nature of the charges.
Police found the baby’s body near the family’s apartment complex Tuesday evening. Officials confirmed the infant was one of twin boys; the surviving twin is now in protective care after being removed from the mother's custody.
Police said the mom's involvement in the case is under investigation. Jail records indicate that a woman named Necolette Pratt was booked into the Clayton County Jail at approximately 4:30 p.m. Wednesday and charged with obstructing an officer, making false statements, and party to the commission of a crime. No bond has been set at this time. FOX 5 Atlanta has reached out to Clayton County police for more information about Pratt's possible involvement.
What they're saying:
A neighbor who spoke exclusively said Pearce gave him a bag containing guns and drugs on Sunday. That man said he turned it over to police on Monday, but police have not verified this information.