Couple charged in death of 8-month-old boy surrenders, after nearly 48 hours on the run.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The couple wanted in the death of the woman’s infant son is now in custody.
Columbus police confirmed Savanna Dawson, 23, and Kyrios March Jr., 24, turned themselves Friday morning in Perry County. They are charged with murder in connection with the death of eight-month-old Marquell Smith, who died Monday night at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
"glorious news, wonderful news," said DeShawn Smith, the father of Marquell, after learning his ex-wife and boyfriend had turned themselves into police after a nearly 48 hour manhunt.
"I prayed every day, prayed every night, that justice be served, " said Smith.
ABC 6/FOX 28 learning Dawson and March surrendered in New Straitsville, the Perry County town where Dawson grew up.
"That's an area that she knew a lot of people, most likely seen her" said Smith, "they weren't going to get far, just knowing their situation, with the people around them, and stuff like that, they weren't going to make it that far."
Columbus police were called to the couple’s North Linden home on Monday when someone called 911 saying the child was not breathing.
Franklin County Municipal Court charging documents state an autopsy report revealed the baby had numerous broken bones, with some bones beginning to heal, a brain bleed and bruising on the skull.
Investigators say Dawson told them she believed other children in the home were responsible.
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According to court filings, a doctor at Nationwide Children’s Hospital said the broken bones were consistent with abuse and not accidental in nature.
Columbus police took Dawson and March into custody for questioning Monday night but they were later released.
“It’s always a hindsight,” said Denner, “certainly we would like to have them. At that time going back, I think the right call was to make sure we were thorough, file charges, and we will get them into custody.”
Franklin County Children’s Services tells ABC6/FOX 28, until this week, protective services had no history or contact with this family.
Other children living in the home have now been placed with family members.
Dawson and March are now locked up in The Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail and are expected to make a court appearance next week to extradite them back to Franklin County.
