Three-month-old Evander Meadows was found unresponsive at an apartment complex in Milton, West Virginia, on May 23, 2024, while in the care of his father, Cody Dale Wilson, and Wilson's girlfriend, Trisha L. Grigson. The infant was transported to a Cabell County hospital but died the following day, May 24, 2024. According to the Milton Police Department, the child suffered head trauma that caused loss of brain activity, as well as bruising around the neck consistent with choking and internal bruising. Both Wilson and Grigson were charged with child abuse resulting in death and turned themselves in on June 1, 2024. However, a Cabell County magistrate subsequently dismissed the charges for lack of probable cause, though the prosecutor indicated the case would still be presented to a grand jury.
Contexts/Conditions
Is there any mention of child drug ingestion or overdose?
Is there any mention of a drowning incident (either intentional or accidental)?
Is there any mention of a firearm incident?
Is there any mention of inappropriate supervision (e.g., child wandered off and drowned)?
Is there any mention of inflicted injury? (e.g. slapped, punched, kicked, choked)
The WOWK news article (document 2) quotes a Milton police officer stating: "There was evidence that there was head trauma, which caused the loss of brain activity which ultimately caused his death. Bruising around his neck that appeared to be choking." The WSAZ article (document 5) also notes "injuries that Milton Police say resulted in internal bruising, as well as bruising around the neck." These injuries are consistent with inflicted injury, specifically choking and head trauma.
Is there any mention of malnutrition, starvation, or dehydration?
Is there any mention of medical neglect?
Is there any mention of a motor vehicle crash or incident?
Is there any mention of a murder-suicide incident?
Is there any mention of outdoor elements (including hot car deaths)?
Is there any mention of prenatal substance exposure (including fetal alcohol syndrome or neonatal abstinence syndrome)?
Is there any mention of sexual abuse?
Is there any specific mention of shaken baby or abusive head trauma?
The WOWK article (document 2) reports that the 3-month-old died from "head trauma, which caused the loss of brain activity which ultimately caused his death," in the context of a fatal child abuse investigation. The caregivers were charged with child abuse resulting in death. While the text does not use the specific terms "shaken baby" or "abusive head trauma," the described fatal head trauma to a 3-month-old infant in the context of child abuse charges strongly implies abusive head trauma.
Is there any mention of prolonged abuse or torture (including restraints, captivity)?
Is there any mention of an unsafe sleeping environment?
Individuals Involved
Was an adoptive parent or guardian involved in the death?
Was a biological father involved in the death?
The WOWK article (document 2) explicitly states: "At the time he was in the care of his father and his father's girlfriend, both were charged in connection to the incident." Cody Dale Wilson is identified as the father. He was charged with child abuse resulting in death.
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
Was a day care worker, babysitter, or nanny involved in the death?
Was a female paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., girlfriend, stepmother)?
The WOWK article (document 2) states the child was "in the care of his father and his father's girlfriend" and that both were charged. Trisha L. Grigson of Barboursville is identified as the father's girlfriend across multiple articles and was charged with child abuse resulting in death.
Was a foster parent involved in the death?
Was a male paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., boyfriend, stepfather)?
Was another adult relative involved in the death? (e.g., grandfather, aunt)
Was a sibling involved in the death?
Child Characteristics
Was the child adopted?
Was the child homeschooled (including "cyberschooling") or taken out of school?
Was the child in foster care at the time of the incident?
Was the child living with relatives at the time of the incident (but not parents)?
Is there any mention of a neurological developmental child disability? (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, nonverbal)
Is there any mention of a physical child disability? (e.g., feeding tube)
Is there any mention of prematurity or low birthweight?
Is there a history of child protection reports prior to death (for this child or siblings)?
Does the child have a history of foster care (but not in care at time of incident)?
Is there a history of a sibling death (separate incident from this death)?
Parent/Caregiver Factors
Was an adult charged or arrested for the child's death?
Multiple sources confirm that Cody Dale Wilson and Trisha L. Grigson were charged with "Child Abuse resulting in Death." The WOWK article (document 3) states: "the Milton Police Department is looking for Cody Dale Wilson of Milton and Trisha L. Grigson of Barboursville 'on charges of Child Abuse resulting in Death.'" They turned themselves in on June 1, 2024. The WSAZ article (document 5) later reports that charges were dismissed by a magistrate, but the prosecutor stated the case would still be presented to a grand jury.
Is domestic violence by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is there any mention that the death occurred in a temporary shelter or while homeless?
Is an intellectual disability of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is the mental health of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is a history of arrests or criminal charges for the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Notable Details
The WSAZ article (document 5) reports a significant legal development: "A Cabell County magistrate has now dismissed the charges, saying there was no probable cause." Cabell County Prosecutor Jason Spears stated "he is disappointed in the decision, but the case will still be presented to a grand jury." This dismissal of charges against both suspects for lack of probable cause, despite the documented injuries (head trauma and neck bruising) and the initial charges of child abuse resulting in death, represents a notable legal proceeding that may materially affect a researcher's understanding of this case.
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