‘Malnourished’ and ‘Underweight’ 4-Year-Old Dead After Mother and Stepfather Allegedly Failed to Seek Medical Care

Tragic news has surfaced of a 4-year-old boy passing away in South Carolina, allegedly as a result of his parents failing to seek medical assistance promptly. The young boy, Isaiah Joseph Dionne, was discovered unresponsive at a residence in Oconee County, leading to an emergency response on Friday, Sept. 19 at around 6:20 a.m.

Reports suggest that at the time of his death, Isaiah appeared to be severely underweight and malnourished, as evidenced by an affidavit from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The boy weighed only 21 pounds, with visible signs of malnutrition such as sunken eyes and prominent ribs and bones.

The tragic incident has led to the arrest of Isaiah’s mother, Destiny Shay Dionne, and his stepfather, Joshua Emanuel Lamar Latimer, who have been charged in connection to his untimely passing. Both individuals face accusations of causing the child’s death under circumstances displaying an extreme disregard for life, as outlined in the affidavit from SLED.

Following their arrest, the pair was charged with two counts each of Unlawful Conduct Toward a Child and subsequently faced additional charges of Homicide by Child Abuse on Monday, Sept. 22. The serious nature of the latter charge carries a potential punishment of between 20 years to life imprisonment.

The distressing revelation surrounding Isaiah’s death has sparked further scrutiny, particularly with Latimer’s employment history. The former South Carolina Highway Patrol employee was terminated from his position after his arrest came to light, having served as a Lance Corporal stationed with Troop 3 encompassing various counties.

In an obituary, Isaiah is fondly remembered as a beautiful and happy child whose presence could light up any room. His passing has undoubtedly left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew him, painting a tragic picture of a life cut short due to alleged neglect and indifference to his well-being.

The devastating circumstances of Isaiah’s passing highlight the critical importance of timely medical intervention for children in need. As this heartbreaking story unfolds, authorities are delving into the details surrounding his death, seeking justice for the young life lost too soon.

Efforts to raise awareness about child abuse and the crucial role of prompt intervention are paramount in preventing such heartbreaking incidents from reoccurring. The community remains in mourning as they come to terms with the loss of a young soul, reminding us all of the fragility and preciousness of life.

As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Isaiah’s passing, the need for vigilance and action in cases of suspected child abuse cannot be understated. The memory of this young boy serves as a poignant reminder of the duty to protect and nurture the most vulnerable members of society, ensuring tragedies like this do not go unnoticed or unaddressed.