Patrick and Tenisha physically assaulted infant child Drakeford Watts on July 25, 2016. The child died from the injuries on the same day the injuries were sustained in Charlotte, NC. Tenisha was Drakeford’s irresponsible mother, Patrick was a live in boyfriend.
Patrick will spend the rest of his life in prison, Patrick was sentenced on April 29, 2019. Tenisha pled guilty to felony child abuse by grossly negligent omission in connection with Drakeford’s death.
Detectives determined Patrick and Tenisha were responsible for the child’s death and obtained warrants for their arrest.
On Monday, July 25, 2016, the child was found unresponsive on Farm Pond Lane. Medic immediately transported the child to Novant Presbyterian Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
In consultation with the Medical Examiner’s Office, detectives determined that the child was physically assaulted which led to his death. The child suffered blunt force trauma with massive injuries to his abdomen, as well as head trauma.
There were several adults who were in the position to provide care to the child in the days leading up to his death.
