25-year-old Milwaukee man charged in death of five-year-old boy



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- 25-year-old Darrell Rogers of Milwaukee is facing one count of first-degree reckless homicide in connection with the death of a five-year-old boy.

Police say the boy, identified as Damion Davis, was found dead in his apartment in the 1200 block of E. Singer Circle shortly before 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 27th.

According to the criminal complaint, the mother told police she left the five-year-old boy with her boyfriend, later identified as Rogers, on Tuesday, November 26th while she went to work. The mother told police she worked from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

According to complaint, the mother returned home around 10:20 p.m. and checked on her son -- who was lying in his bed under the covers. The complaint indicates the mother thought the boy was sleeping, and did not check on him further.

According to the complaint, the mother spoke with Rogers after checking on her son. During that time, Rogers allegedly told her that the boy had fallen in the shower and hit his head. The complaint indicates the mother then felt the boy's head -- but did not observe any injuries.

The next morning, police say the mother found the boy dead in his bed shortly before 8:00 a.m.

Following an autopsy, the Medical Examiner found that the boy suffered severe head and abdominal injuries. According to the complaint, the Medical Examiner determined that the head and abdominal injuries were a result of blunt force trauma, and ruled the death a homicide.

In the midst of his grief, the boy's uncle shattered his hand by punching a steel door.

"Just seeing my nephew come out in that bag -- it really did something to me. I never expected my nephew come out in a bag. I rather see my nephew running around, riding his bike," Nelson Woodson said.

Woodson says Thanksgiving was tough for the whole family, but his face lights up when he talks about his nephew.

"He a comedian. He loved to dance. He's very happy. He strong. I remember the time I was cutting my sister's grass and he pulled down a whole tree on his own -- like, 'I got it uncle. You want me to do anything else?' I was like 'nah, you good Superman,'" Woodson said.

Woodson says Damion was into sports, including basketball and football.

If convicted, Rogers could face up to 60 years in prison.

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