Task forces investigating child deaths
Addison Grace Lanham died from neglect in July 2011.
When paramedics walked into the extended-stay motel in Bessemer City where the child lived, they saw a 2-year-old girl covered in boils. Some had burst, exposing her brain and skull. Her leg was broken. She had been sexually assaulted and sodomized. Her arm and back were bruised; her eyes swollen from infection.
The toddler's mother, Shanna Lanham, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the child's death in December. Shanna Lanham's sex offender live-in boyfriend, Jason Wells, also pleaded guilty in the case.
Both are in prison now, but state health officials intend to investigate further into the child's life and death. Gaston County Department of Social Services had a file on the Lanhams. Shanna Lanham didn't want to be found by social workers. She handed her first child over to be raised by another family, and she had been investigated for allegations involving Addison. Reports had been called in by friends and relatives regarding Lanham living with a registered sex offender at America's Best Inn and Suites.
Many speculated that Wells was sexually inappropriate with the child because of his prior conviction. Addison was violated, but there was no DNA or biological evidence to identify a suspect, according to prosecutors.
Not to seem callous, but how does a broken boil expose the brain?
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Happy Memorial Day.
- Princess223
on Feb. 15, 2012 at 12:29 AM