CINCINNATI, Ohio — A little boy named William was supposed to be safe at home.
Instead, police found his body inside a closet — his hands and feet bound with duct tape.
He was 7 years old.
Three Women Charged With His Murder
Kaitlin Evans, William’s biological mother, along with Nessa Keaney and Kirby Rankin, have each been charged with murder and child endangerment. All three women lived together and were described in court as co-parenting William.
Prosecutors say the abuse did not happen in a single moment. It went on for at least two months.
What Investigators Say Happened
A veteran homicide detective, nearly three decades into his career, testified that he had never seen anything like this case.
William had injuries consistent with repeated beatings — blunt force trauma to his face, torso, back, and limbs. Investigators also believe he was held underwater, what the detective described as “water torture.” Evidence of burns was found as well.
None of the three women called for help. None contacted police.
In fact, just one day before William died, all three left him home alone — to take a pet to a veterinarian.
A Father’s Words in a Courtroom
William’s other biological parent attended Friday’s arraignment and was allowed to speak directly to Evans.
“William was my life,” the parent said, “and I trusted you to care for him.”
The parent also revealed the defendants had kept William away for nine months “over lies.”
A judge set bond at $1.1 million for each woman. All three have pleaded not guilty. A grand jury is scheduled to hear the case on August 17.
William deserved better. He deserved someone who would fight for him.
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