Michigan City, Ind. – A devastating case of child neglect and murder has unfolded in Michigan City after 5-year-old Augustus Williams was found unresponsive in his home. Despite emergency efforts, the child later succumbed to his injuries at a Chicago hospital, leading to the arrest of his mother and her boyfriend.
Arrests and Charges
Authorities have charged the boy’s mother, 23-year-old Halie Lewis, with one count of neglect of a dependent causing death, a Level 1 felony. She is currently being held at the La Porte County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
Her boyfriend, 32-year-old Brice Barnum, faces one count of murder and one count of interference with the reporting of a crime, a Class A misdemeanor. He is also being held at the La Porte County Jail, with his bond set at $1 million. Police confirmed that Barnum was living in the home at the time of the incident. His initial court appearance is scheduled for March 11 at 8:30 a.m. in Michigan City.
Investigation and Evidence
Police responded to the home on the 2200 block of Normandy Drive at 7:16 a.m. on March 2, after receiving a report of an unresponsive child. Augustus Williams was transported to Franciscan Hospital before being airlifted to the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead just after 7 p.m.
Investigators executed a search warrant at the residence and gathered evidence, though authorities have not disclosed further details on what led to the child’s death.
The Cook County Medical Examiner identified the child and ruled his death a homicide.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact Det./Sgt. Sopher at 219-XXXXXXX. The investigation remains ongoing as the community mourns the tragic loss of an innocent child.
