Dead toddler's guardian faces neglect charge

By E. Richard Walton • STAFF WRITER •

The legal guardian of a toddler who died after being hospitalized with severe injuries was charged Saturday with unlawful neglect of a child, according to an arrest warrant.

Lavonda Danellia Maxwell, 29, of 10 Dixie Circle, Lot 10, was charged "in connection with the injuries sustained by 29-month-old Samauri Mayes," said Lt. Shea Smith, a spokesman for the Greenville County Sheriff's Office.

Samauri died Friday at Greenville Hospital System's Children's Hospital, said Karie Cain, a deputy coroner for Greenville County.

Maxwell, who Smith said is related to Samauri's family, called Greenville County EMS for help Wednesday when she found the child to be unresponsive, according to the arrest warrant.

Samauri was placed on life support at GHS, the warrant said. Medical staff reported she had bruising on her body and a severe head injury, the warrant said. Samauri had severe bruising on her back, legs, head area and buttocks, according to the warrant.

"The defendant who was responsible for the child could not explain these injuries," the warrant said.

Smith said the child was placed in Maxwell's custody 14 months ago by the state's Department of Social Services.

A DSS spokeswoman said she couldn't comment on the case.

At a bond hearing Saturday night, Greenville County Magistrate Vilvin Garrison declined to release Maxwell on bond. She told Maxwell she would have to appear before a circuit court judge who would set bond.

Dressed in black pants and a sweatshirt, Maxwell stood quietly in handcuffs before the judge for about 10 minutes. Speaking in a low voice, Maxwell said she understood the charge against her and that she had a right to a lawyer.

Smith said that Maxwell had custody of two other children who are now in DSS custody.

An autopsy was performed Saturday on Samauri but was unable to determine a cause of death, Cain said. She said further tests are scheduled.

Smith said the Sheriff's Office probe will continue "for several more days."

"This is an ongoing investigation, and when it is completed, additional charges relating to the death of the child may be forthcoming," he said.