S.C. dad arrested after 3-month-old dies from suspected torture
GAFFNEY, S.C. (TCD) — A 20-year-old was arrested after his 3-month-old child died from abuse-related injuries and spent days on life support.
According to WYFF-TV on March 18, Malachi Tate took his son Malachi Alfred Maurice Tate Jr. to Cherokee Medical Center after allegedly finding the boy unresponsive in his apartment. Medical officials reportedly had to resuscitate him, then transferred him to Greenville Children’s Hospital for additional treatment and care. The boy was put on life support that day.
Malachi Jr. died Wednesday, March 22.
Tate reportedly said his son fell, but Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler disagreed. WHNS-TV reports Fowler said the 3-month-old’s injuries are “no doubt from abuse.”
He reportedly said in a statement, “It appears this child may have been tortured and it makes me sick to my stomach that a helpless infant has suffered and lost his life at the hands of someone who had a total disregard for a human. We must send a message that this kind of behavior will not be tolerated.”
WYFF reports charges will likely be upgraded against Tate, though Cherokee County Jail records show Tate was booked into custody for abuse/inflict great bodily injury on a child. He’s currently being held without bond.