Investigation Unveils Severe Child Neglect in Summerville

Chattooga County Chief Investigator Jason Burrage was alerted by Atrium Floyd Emergency Department in Rome, Georgia, on April 4, 2024, around 5:00 PM, regarding two children undergoing treatment. Upon arrival, Chief Inv. Burrage encountered two minors, aged 12 months and 23 months, exhibiting severe malnutrition and dehydration.

The 23-month-old, weighing a mere 14 pounds—merely twice its birth weight—appeared lethargic and dangerously frail. Investigations revealed a disturbing pattern of neglect, with the parents failing to provide adequate sustenance, including food, water, nutrition, and essential medical care for their children to thrive.

Moreover, another child of the couple, aged 36 months, was found underweight while staying at a relative’s house. Subsequently, the two malnourished children under treatment at Atrium Floyd were swiftly transferred to a specialized children’s hospital for urgent medical intervention.

Tragically, the affected children were unable to meet developmental milestones, such as sitting, standing, or walking, due to their deteriorated health condition. Consequently, the parents, 22-year-old Joseph David Wilson Jr. and 22-year-old Santeria Watkins of Summerville, were arrested.

Each parent was charged with three counts of Cruelty to Children 1st degree, two counts of Cruelty to Children 2nd degree, and three counts of Contributing to the delinquency of a child. The children have since been removed from their custody and Chief Inv. Burrage continues to spearhead the ongoing investigation.