Today, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters announced the indictments of Donte Farrier (12/24/02) and Shakayla Sams (DOB 12/9/02) for the death of their 5-month-old-child Casey and abuse of 2-year-old Sir Major.  Farrier and Sams were indicted for two counts of Murder (SF), three counts of Child Endangering (F2), and three counts of Felonious Assault (F2).  If convicted of all charges, Sams and Farrier face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

On December 22, 2021, a 911 call was placed regarding a domestic violence incident.  Upon arrival, officers found an unresponsive child.  Paramedics transported 5-month-old Casey Sams by ambulance to the hospital and he was placed on life support.  Casey succumbed to his injuries on December 27, 2021.  While responding to the home, police also discovered 2-year-old Sir Major Sams to be severely malnourished with evidence of abuse.  Sir Major was taken to the hospital, where he remains in the ICU.

Casey Sams’ cause of death was determined to be traumatic brain injury.  It was also determined that Casey had suffered a dislocated neck, subdural hemorrhage, and a swollen brain.  Doctors found additional evidence of abuse, including old and new rib fractures, bruising on top of his scalp, and scarring on his leg.

Sir Major was found to be malnourished with evidence of recent injuries as well as healing of previous injuries.  He also sustained a lacerated pancreas.

Prosecutor Joseph T. Deters commented, “The cruelty displayed upon these two young children is impossible to comprehend.  Being a young parent is no excuse for the kind of abuse these children suffered.

This was not a case of neglect by parents too young to understand their responsibilities.  This was a case of active violence, perpetrated on babies by two people…the same people who should be protecting them.

My office has charged these two with the most severe charges we can prove at this time.  But, the investigation is ongoing.  If additional information is revealed that allows us to take this back to the grand jury, we absolutely will.”