Preliminary meeting held for alleged suspects facing charges in child death in Allen County
ALLEN COUNTY, Ky. – Wednesday afternoon was the preliminary hearing for three suspects with charges stemming from the death of a 1-year-old in Allen County.
Mason Moulding has been identified as the 1-year-old who was found unresponsive July 27 on Cottage Drive and later died that day.
Here’s what we know – during the investigation, all three alleged suspects were before the honorable Judge Martha Harrison. Mason’s mother, Alexandrae Price, is charged with first-degree criminal abuse of a child 12 and under.
“It’s clear that not only torture has been met by Detective Knox’s testimony, cruel confinement has been met by Detective Knox’s testimony, and cruel punishment has also been met, “said one of the Attorney’s representing the Commonwealth.
“I do feel that probable cause has been shown and this will be down to the grand jury,” said Harrison.
Authorities say Alexandrae Price knowingly acted out of negligent abuse by allowing the child to live in health hazardous conditions. In the report News 40 obtained, it stated Alexandrae Price admitted the living area had flies and spiders. Authorities also mentioned that the child was living in a garage, lacking water sources but using a water hose outside and living near a large amount of trash found in the living area.
Tina Price is charged with criminal first abuse, multiple counts of animal cruelty and two counts of knowingly neglecting a vulnerable adult. It’s said that two autistic adults resided in the residence. In the citation for her arrest, it stated that all animals had to be humanely euthanized due to severe neglect.
Tina Price opted to skip her preliminary hearing and go straight in front of a grand jury. DeAvan Williams is charged with first-degree criminal abuse of a child 12 and under and the murder of 1-year-old Moulding.
During one of the testimonies presented by Detective Ryan Dillion, he stated a coroner found evidence of extreme physical abuse to Moulding with the use of an alleged water hose.
Williams has two separate cases for both charges he faces.
“Based on those statements alone, and of course the preliminary findings thus far, Mr. Williams was charged with criminal first degree and murder,” said Detective Ryan Dillon with the Allen County- Scottsville Criminal Investigation Unit.
During the hearing, Dillon also recalled seeing surveillance showing the last time Moulding was alive at Food Lion with his mom.
“He doesn’t appear to have shoes on. He’s in a diaper and no shirt socks or anything, like that I think the best I can remember, I’m, and then he’s in the store for a little bit. He appears healthy in the store, so that’s just several hours prior to his death,” Dillon said.
All three alleged suspects will go in front of a grand jury on Oct. 13 at the Allen County courthouse.
“The investigation is still ongoing, and we’re waiting for the final medical examiner’s findings, and we’re looking forward to reviewing those,” said Mike Lyndsey, The Commonwealth’s 49th District Attorney.
Moulding’s official cause of death has not yet been released, but we will keep following this story for the latest details.
