North Carolina Mother Charged For Intentionally Starving 3-Year-Old Son; Boy Critical

KEY POINTS

Shameka White told the paramedics she thought the boy was having seizures
However, the mother did not show any concern about the child's state
Hospital staff said the toddler was still in a critically-stable condition

A 30-year-old North Carolina woman has been charged with intentionally starving her 3-year-old son.

According to the arrest warrant, 3-year-old Kameron White was "near death" when paramedics found him at his home in Gaston County on March 6, reported WSOC-TV.

The boy was rushed to the hospital where doctors said he suffered acute liver failure, respiratory failure, brain atrophy, and other serious issues. As of Tuesday, the child was listed in critically-stable condition.

The boy's mother, Shameka White, told the paramedics she called them to the house because she thought the boy was having seizures, WCTI reported. Shameka, however, showed no emotion, which triggered concern in the medical staff.

The arrest warrant, quoting medical staff, said the child was just half the weight of a child his age, and his body temperature was 83 degrees. The child's body also bore the physical trauma of starving, with scars and bruises all over him.

Kameron's father Dequan Thompson said he hoped the child survives the ordeal. Thompson, who was seeking the custody of the boy, said he and Shameka split up almost two years ago. He reportedly had no contact with the child since then.

"You could see in the picture, you know what I’m saying, how happy he was. He was a happy baby," Dequan Thompson said, while displaying an image of his son taken 18 months ago.

"This last couple of nights, I couldn’t sleep cause all I can do is think about what he’s going through," Thompson told the news outlet. "It just hurt me to my heart. What parent does that?"

According to the hospital authorities, Kameron's condition was still dire. Though he held down his food for the first time Sunday, he was still not out of danger yet.

"He’s still on life support right now in Charlotte, that this was intentional starvation of this particular child. The doctor actually sent over that information and that opinion on Friday," Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Hamlin told WSOC-TV.

Shameka, who has three other children living with her, now faces multiple abuse charges. She has been booked into jail on March 11 and is currently being held on a $500,000 bond. Her other children have been moved into the custody of Child Protection Services.