On April 25, 2024, deputies responded to a 911 call at a residence in the 100 block of Perry Place and found 27-year-old Latonya Shante Thomas attempting to perform CPR on her unresponsive 3-year-old son, Zaveion Thomas. Paramedics transported Zaveion to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. An autopsy revealed injuries consistent with an assault, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide. Detectives determined that Latonya had assaulted Zaveion, causing the injuries that led to his death. She was arrested on June 13 and charged with felony murder and first-degree child abuse, with a $1 million bond.
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 news article states: "An autopsy later revealed the 3-year-old toddler sustained injuries consistent with an assault" and "detectives determined that Latonya had assaulted him, causing the injuries that resulted in his death." This clearly indicates inflicted injury, though the specific mechanism is not detailed.
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?
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?
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
The news article identifies the perpetrator as Latonya Shante Thomas, described as the child's mother ("Flint mother charged with first-degree child abuse, murder of 3-year-old son") and sharing the surname Thomas with the child Zaveion Thomas. The article states: "detectives determined that Latonya had assaulted him, causing the injuries that resulted in his 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)?
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?
The news article states: "Latonya Shante Thomas, 27, of Flint, has been charged with felony murder" and "also charged with first-degree child abuse in the death of Zaveion Thomas." It further notes "The Flint Sheriff's Office Fugitive Apprehension Team arrested Latonya without incident on Thursday (June 13)."
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?
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