CHATTANOOGA, Tenn
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. – The Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) has arrested two
suspects, a 17-year-old
male and a 21-year-old female - Janecia McKevie, in connection with the
death of a 3-year-old boy and significant abuse of a one-year-old boy.
On August 28, 2025 at 9:11 a.m., officers responded to a report of an
unresponsive 3-year-old drowning victim at an apartment in the 2300 block
of Wilson Street. Upon arrival, officers located the child and, along with
Chattanooga Fire Department personnel, began rendering life-saving measures
until Hamilton County EMS took him to a hospital, where he was pronounced
deceased.
CPD's Homicide Unit took over the investigation with assistance from the
Crime Scene Unit and Special Victims Unit. At the hospital, investigators
observed clear signs of abuse on the deceased child and learned the
surviving victim had also suffered multiple major injuries.
During the interviews, the 17-year-old admitted to abusing both children.
McKevie admitted she was aware of the abuse and failed to report it. Both
suspects are charged with two counts each of Aggravated Assault and two
counts of Aggravated Child Abuse. The 17-year-old suspect is in custody at
the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center and McKevie is being held at
the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center.
The surviving victim remains hospitalized and Child Protective Services has
been notified.
This information is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation
continues. Chattanooga Police ask anyone with information regarding this
incident to call 423-698-2525.
The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely
accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. A defendant is presumed
innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and
convicted through due process of law.