Fort Walton Beach man charged with fatal beating of 17-month-old baby boy

Just moments ago, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) reported the heartbreaking account of charging a 24-year-old Fort Walton Beach man with the negligent homicide and manslaughter in connection with the death of a 17-month-old toddler.  That baby boy died in June of 2023.

Charles Little, 24, of Colonial Drive had taken the toddler, who was unresponsive and had no pulse, to a local hospital on June 7, 2023.  Medical staff worked to try to save the boy; tragically though, he died three days later.

The Florida District One Medical Examiner’s Office listed the cause of death as complications of multiple blunt force injuries, and the manner of death as homicide.

According to Little’s arrest report, “the medical examiner listed the cause of death as complication of multiple blunt force injuries, classifying it as a homicide. The autopsy revealed numerous head, brain, neck, vertebral column and torso injuries — some of which were in the process of healing.”

The Sheriff’s Office also reported that Little, who is not the boy’s biological father, was babysitting the child when the injuries occurred.  The baby’s mother had entrusted Little with her child when she went to work.

Little told deputies he stepped on a toy and fell on top of the baby, who began crying and then became unresponsive. Little then took the baby to the hospital. ~ WEAR-TV

Little was taken into police custody on Wednesday and is currently being held in the Okaloosa County Jail without bond.

–

(Source and Charles Little booking photo, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
Follow Richard on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram