ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.- St. Petersburg detectives have arrested a young couple on charges of aggravated child abuse and neglect following the death of a one-month-old boy. Gabriella Daniels, 21, and Ashton Kurant, 20, were taken into custody after the infant was found unresponsive and covered in unexplained injuries.
Emergency services were called to the home on April 16 after Daniels reportedly discovered her son was not breathing. Resuscitation efforts were made by first responders and hospital staff, but the infant was pronounced dead at 12:26 p.m.
According to police affidavits, the child suffered from multiple bruises along his hairline, as well as scratches and lacerations across various parts of his body.
READ: Wesley Chapel Driver’s Mulch Mess: Overturned Truck Shuts Down US-301 Intersection
Investigators noted that the Department of Children and Families (DCF) had been involved with the family recently and observed that the child was “clear of injuries” as of April 10, just six days before his death.
Court documents state that Daniels and Kurant were the sole caregivers for the infant, who was not enrolled in any daycare services.
During the investigation, police noted that Kurant provided inconsistent statements regarding the infant’s feeding and changing schedule. Kurant also reportedly admitted to being under the influence of marijuana while caring for the child despite not having a medical marijuana card.
The specific charges filed against the pair include “knowingly or willfully” abusing a child and causing great bodily harm or permanent disfigurement.
While the couple remains in custody, officials say further charges are pending the final results of an autopsy. Police are maintaining strict confidentiality regarding the child’s identity due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
