A 3-year-old Alabama boy thought to have initially passed away from heat exposure may have been murdered, and police continue their investigation in hopes of finding the person responsible.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Florence police responded to a call from the North Alabama Medical Center’s Emergency Room at around 11:25 p.m. Wednesday, in connection with Kaiden Garner, who had been admitted to the hospital after a possible heatstroke.
However, an autopsy report indicated that the child had blunt force injuries and may have been intentionally harmed.
“Since that time, detectives have confirmed that Kaiden’s death was not in fact related to any type of injury caused by an exposure to heat,” Florence Police Lt. Wesley Gargis said, according to the Times Daily.
“Based on the evidence gathered thus far, and statements made, we now consider this to be an active investigation into the homicide of 3-year-old Kaiden Garner. Preliminary autopsy reports show that Kaiden’s death resulted from blunt force trauma.”
Gargis said that Kaiden was “visiting with his father in the days leading up to his death,” and witnesses spotted the boy with his father and others off of the “1300 block of Carver Circle on the night of his death.”
“This area is a common gathering place for members of the community and it is believed that other members of our community may have been in the area and may have important information to our ongoing investigation,” Gargis added.
“The community’s assistance is critical to this investigation. Our hope is that the community will understand the gravity of this case and do the right thing in coming forward and speaking with our detectives.”
So far, no arrests have been made.
Anyone with information should contact Detective Bill White at 256-760-6595, the Florence Police Department at 256-760-6610, Shoals Area Crime Stoppers at 256-386-8685, or send a text to Text-A-Tip (274637; use keyword FPDTIP and your message).
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[Feature Photo: Kaiden Garner/Handout]
