3-year-old boy's 'heat exposure' death changed to blunt force injuries, MURDER: Report

3-year-old boy’s blunt force injuries, homicide was disguised as hot car death. Police open criminal investigation [Reports]

*This is a developing story and will be updated as additional details become available.*

A 3-year-old boy thought to have initially passed away from heat exposure may have actually been murdered, according to police.

Florence Time Daily reports that Florence police responded to a call from the North Alabama Medical Center’s Emergency Room at around 11:25 p.m. Wednesday, in connection with 3-year-old Kaiden Garner, who had been admitted to the hospital after a possible heat stroke.

However, an autopsy report indicated that the child had blunt force injuries and may have been intentionally harmed.

“Detectives have confirmed that Kaiden’s death was not in fact related to any type of injury caused by an exposure to heat,” Florence Police Lt. Wesley Gargis sadi.

Doomsday death & deception: Nancy Grace investigates “Cult Mom” Lori Vallow. Inside sources reveal brand new bombshell information. Click here to watch.

“Based on the evidence gathered thus far and statements made we now consider this to be an active investigation into the homicide of 3-year-old Kaiden Garner. Preliminary autopsy reports show that Kaiden’s death resulted from blunt force trauma.”

**MEDIA RELEASE**On August 12, 2020, Florence Police Department patrol officers responded to the North Alabama Medical…

Posted by Florence Alabama Police Department on Friday, August 14, 2020

 

So far, there are not suspects in the case. During a vigil for the boy earlier this week, his mother, Lesley, was still in shock over the situation.

“I don’t know how to feel. My body is numb. My mind is numb. I don’t know how to feel,” Lesley said, according to WAFF 48.

Police Chief Ron Tyler told the Times Daily that no one has came forward and offered any information about what happened to Kaiden.

“There are situations when there’s an adult victim when people choose not come forward but we hope when there’s a 3-year-old someone will come forward.”

No further details have been released at this time but authorities are asking the community for assistance.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Bill White at 256-760-6595, the Florence Police Department at 256-760-6610, Shoals Area Crime Stoppers at 256-386-8685, or send a text to Text-A-Tip (274637; use keyword FPDTIP plus your message).

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.  

Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most – your children.

[Feature Photo: Kaiden Garner/Handout]