Prosecutors have charged a Texas mother and grandmother in connection with the death of a 4-year-old boy. Monica Figueroa allegedly stabbed her son, Grayson Hurt, and her mother, Mary Johnson, reportedly witnessed it but did nothing to help the child. Athens, Texas, police, who were called to a home around 6:40 a.m. on Monday, found the child's body wrapped in a blanket when they arrived.
In a statement released by Athens police, investigators identified Johnson as the caller. She told police she was afraid Figueroa had hurt Grayson. Police obtained a search warrant and authorities determined in the initial investigation Grayson had apparently died from an attack with an "edged weapon." Police arrested Figueroa, who was charged with capital murder. An arrest warrant was issued for Johnson later in the day, and she was charged with endangering a child.
Grayson died on Sunday, not on Monday morning.
The Henderson County Sheriff's Office issued a release Monday afternoon detailing what they say happened. The release stated that Johnson called the police on Monday, fearing her daughter would hurt the child. When police arrived, they learned that the details in Johnson's call were inaccurate. The child had been dead since Sunday afternoon, and the grandmother apparently knew it.
Johnson reportedly witnessed what happened.
According to the sheriff's department, Johnson was present when Figueroa began attacking Grayson. She told police she saw Figueroa on top of a rolled-up blanket and cutting it with a wooden-handled knife. Johnson heard the child screaming, and suddenly the screaming stopped, the release noted.
Figueroa allegedly threatened her mother and told her to leave the house. She did but did not call the police until she returned home the following day. By this point, Grayson was dead.
Figueroa has a lengthy criminal history, according to Henderson County jail records.
Records show 30 entries for her since December 2000, with numerous public intoxication charges and conduct violations. Before this latest arrest, Figueroa was sentenced to weekend detention in July 2021 because of repeated DWI arrests.
Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said Grayson was the only child in the home, KYTX reported. Figueroa does not have custody of her other children, but the reason is unclear.
Hillhouse said Figueroa confessed to killing Grayson, but investigators are trying to determine a motive.
Neighbors claim that Figueroa kept to herself.
KYTX spoke to neighbor Karina Garcia, who didn't know much about Figueroa but spoke to a reporter in Spanish, who translated her message. Garcia said the woman was not a friendly neighbor and she only saw her in the yard or when she left the house. The women never said hello to one another.
Garcia was aware of Grayson, but shared that he was never outside playing. She claimed it was like he didn't even exist.
Officials took Grayson's body to Dallas for an autopsy.
Hillhouse told KYTX that the investigation is "fluid," that there are many parts to put together, and that it is a joint effort from many law enforcement agencies. Athens police, the Henderson County sheriff's office, and Harrison County Crimes Against Children Task Force are all aiding in the investigation.
Figueroa and Johnson are in Henderson County Jail awaiting arraignment. Figueroa is charged with capital murder and is being held on a $2 million bond. A judge charged Johnson with endangering a child and she has a $25,000 bond.
