TAVARES, Fla. – A mother and her boyfriend were indicted this week after the death of a 10-year-old boy who allegedly suffered “unspeakable torment” at their hands.
The pair were arrested in February after the two took the boy — identified as Xavier Williams — to the hospital, police said.
Investigators said that Xavier had experienced cardiac arrest, though medical staff found he had also suffered bruises, burn marks, and other injuries in “various stages of healing.”
Police added that upon learning law enforcement officers were on their way to the hospital, the boy’s mother and her boyfriend — identified as Kimberley Mills, 37, and Andre Walker, 36, respectively — fled the scene.
Investigators later revealed that they believe the couple left the hospital to go back home and do a “hasty cleanup.”
According to detectives, Mills later returned with the boy’s younger brother, who told investigators about how “he and his older brother suffered unspeakable torment.”
Per investigators, a search of the home yielded a ladder, a 10-pound weight, and duct tape — items used to restrain the 10-year-old with his hands above his head while the weight was intentionally dropped onto his exposed torso.
The couple was originally arrested on multiple charges, including aggravated child abuse, after investigators said there was clear evidence in the case, including a ladder, a 10-pound weight, and duct tape they say was used to torment the boy and his younger brother.
Police had announced that Xavier was left in critical condition, though he ultimately passed away.
“With profound sorrow, the Tavares Police Department announces the tragic passing of a 10-year-old boy, a victim of unimaginable abuse and neglect at the hands of those who were meant to care for him,” a release from the police department reads. “This innocent child’s life was marked by unspeakable suffering, and his loss has deeply shaken our community and everyone involved in this case.”
[BELOW: Here’s what to know about the Tavares torture case]
On Wednesday, both Walker and Mills were formally indicted on the following charges:
- Principal to first-degree murder
- Principal to aggravated child abuse — Aggravated battery (two counts)
- Principal to aggravated child abuse — Malicious punishment (two counts)
The indictment states that the child abuse began as early as Dec. 24, 2024, involving items like a dumbbell, boxing gloves, flashlights, and/or a copper rod.
Following Xavier’s death, the 5th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office announced that it would seek the death penalty against both Walker and Mills.