A Georgia man and woman are behind bars following the death of a 4-year-old Vidalia girl.
On Monday, Seth Hunter Brown, 26, and Taylor Marie Hughes, 29, both of Lyons, appeared separately before a judge in connection with the death of Taylor’s 4-year-old daughter, Reese Hughes. Officials identified Brown as Taylor’s boyfriend, according to Channel 2 Action News.
The couple faces charges of first-degree cruelty to children, aggravated battery, felony murder, and malice murder.
The investigation began March 14 when Toombs County deputies received a report of an unresponsive child. The caller said they were driving the child to the hospital. Emergency responders intercepted them at the Enmarket convenience store at West Liberty Street and South Victory Drive in Lyons.
Paramedics performed life-saving measures while transporting the child to Memorial Health Meadows Hospital in Vidalia, authorities said. Doctors pronounced the child dead shortly after arrival.
Community members are showing support for the Hughes family, The Georgia Gazette reports. Liberty Baptist Church in Lyons shared a statement from the family, thanking the public for its kindness.
While little details are currently available, police continue to investigate the circumstances of Reese’s death. Anyone with information should contact the Toombs County Sheriff’s Office at (912) 526-9292.
Meanwhile, both defendants remain behind bars without bond.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Reese Hughes/Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home]
