An Arkansas family wants answers after an 8-year-old boy suffered severe burns to his body while staying at a friend's house this summer. Jayceon Charles was spending the night at his friend's house on August 9 in Warren because of plans to go to an amusement park the following day, WKRC reported. The boys parents, Lakiesha Belin and Justin Charles, said no one contacted them after their son was involved in a terrible accident while there.
The pair is demanding the family of their son's friend be held accountable for refusing to notify them or to seek medical attention for Jayceon’s injuries.
The parents said the children were cooking when an accident occurred.
Jayceon’s parents said he and his friend were roasting hot dogs when an unexpected accident occurred. They were told “something in the fire exploded,” causing the young boy to get burned.
Belin said her son initially called from the residence and hung up. When Charles called back, he heard Jayceon screaming in the background, according to WKRC.
The boy’s parents rushed to the friend’s home, only to find their son covered in Vaseline and plastic wrap. Belin and Charles questioned the family’s actions after they refused to call 911 after the boy was severely burned. Jayceon’s parents sought medical attention by rushing him to a hospital.
The boy was hospitalized with severe injuries and remains there two months later.
Jacyceon received severe burns to 80% of his body and has experienced kidney failure, sepsis, and brain damage, WKRC reported. Doctors placed the young boy on a ventilator, and he has needed to be resuscitated two times.
The boy also has undergone multiple surgeries. His family said doctors had to remove five inches of his small intestine.
Charles said it's been difficult seeing his child in this situation. “It’s just a rough situation seeing him lying in the hospital bed like he is,” he told WKRC.
Investigators failed to follow up with the family about the case.
Jayceon’s grandfather, Earl Charles, said he contacted the police after learning what happened to his grandson.
“So many people dropped the ball that should be held accountable,” he said. “The stories that’s been told never sat right with me from the beginning,” Earl added. “I never understood why so many people dropped the ball and just didn’t show any concern.”
The family told the news outlet they suspected something else went on inside the home, prompting them to contact authorities about the situation. The police, however, haven't reached out for witness interviews or medical reports since the incident two months ago, and the family believes crucial evidence was lost during that time.
Arkansas State Police are taking over the investigation.
Jayceon’s father believes what happened was no accident and that his son hasn’t received justice because he’s a Black child and the family he was staying with are white, according to WKRC.
Last week, the family learned Arkansas State Police is now heading up the investigation.
Although Jayceon’s health is improving, his mother fears for his future. “It’s hard because I don’t know if my baby is going to be the same anymore,” Belin said.
The family has created a GoFundMe account to help cover medical fees while Jayceon remains hospitalized.
“Our prayers is that Jayceon is able to fully recover and come back bigger and better than before. I ask that you please have and show compassion to this baby," the page reads. "Any and all donations will truly be appreciated.” The family has surpassed its goal of $10,000 with nearly $14,500 raised thus far for the young boy.
