GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — The mother of a 3-year-old who died on Jan. 1 in Greenville is facing charges in the child’s death. In addition, the child’s father is facing additional charges.
Greenville Police said in an email on Tuesday that a grand jury indicted Tara Shalisha Stancil, 34, and Danny Sherrod Smith, 29, on First Degree Murder and Child Abuse charges related to the death of their 3-year-old son, Bentley Smith. Smith, the child’s father, had previously been charged with Involuntary Manslaughter in connection with the case.
Investigators said on Jan. 1, police responded to an EMS call around 7:40 p.m. in the area of Kennedy Circle in reference to a toddler in cardiac arrest. Bentley Smith was transported by EMS to Vidant Medical Center where he was later pronounced deceased.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and limited information is available for release at this time.
