A tragic incident unfolded in Lakeland, Florida, where a 23-month-old toddler named Ezekiel Cotto Saint Fleur lost his life while under the care of a babysitter. The babysitter, identified as 20-year-old Bobby Curry, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse in connection with the toddler's death.
The heartbreaking events began on March 5 when authorities responded to a call reporting an unresponsive child at a residence on Kansas Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found Ezekiel on the bathroom floor, unconscious and without vital signs. Despite immediate CPR efforts and transportation to two hospitals, Ezekiel succumbed to his critical injuries on March 8.
Curry, who was babysitting Ezekiel while the child's mother was at work, claimed that the toddler had sustained injuries from a fall in the bathroom involving a puppy. However, medical professionals determined that the injuries were consistent with physical abuse rather than an accidental fall.
Chief Sammy Taylor of the Lakeland Police expressed disbelief at Curry's delay in seeking medical help for Ezekiel, emphasizing the importance of promptly calling emergency services in such situations. Taylor speculated that Curry's actions may have been driven by frustration, leading to fatal injuries to the child.
The Chief Medical Examiner's Office concluded that Ezekiel's cause of death was blunt-force trauma, prompting Curry's arrest on charges of first-degree murder and child abuse. The investigation revealed a troubling sequence of events, including Curry's failure to contact emergency services in a timely manner and discrepancies between his account of the incident and medical findings.
This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and swift action in safeguarding the well-being of children. The community mourns the loss of young Ezekiel and awaits further developments in the legal proceedings against Bobby Curry.
