2-Year-Old Died After Dad Allegedly Isolated Him in Room Near Space-Heater: 'Elevated Temperatures'

Mar. 15, 2025

Aaron Lynwood Carter.Photo:Moore County Sheriff’s Office

Moore County Sheriff’s Office

A North Carolina father is facing criminal charges after authorities allege he left his child isolated in a room with a space heater for more than 12 hours, leading to his death.

Aaron Lynwood Carter, 27, is charged with one count of felony involuntary manslaughter and one count of felony child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury in connection with 2-year-old River Carter’s death, according to astatementfrom the Moore County Sheriff’s Office.

On Dec. 2, 2023, deputies responded to a distress call at a home in West End, N.C., where they found the toddler dead.

Investigators believe the child was exposed to “elevated temperatures” prior to his death, per the statement. They said the child had been left isolated in a room with a space heater for more than 12 hours.

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Aaron is being held in the Moore County Detention Center on $500,000 bond, according to the sheriff’s office. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 9.

It’s unclear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

source: people.com