Two Women Charged in Toddler’s Death Due to Neglect

News Summary

In Florence, SC, two women are facing charges related to the tragic death of a two-year-old girl, Tamera Gurley, whose death is attributed to severe burns and neglect. The child’s mother has been granted bond, but a second woman remains in custody without bond. Investigators determined that neglect led to untreated injuries, raising serious concerns about child safety. The community is in shock as authorities continue to investigate this heartbreaking incident.

Florence, SC – Two women have been charged in connection with the tragic death of a two-year-old girl due to severe burns and neglect. Florence County Magistrate Jerry F. Rivers denied bond for 27-year-old Ky’Ledja Holloway, who, along with the child’s mother, is facing serious allegations regarding the care of the toddler, Tamera Gurley.

The child’s mother, Traquianna Joetteless Holloway-Wilson, has been granted a bond set at $10,000, while Holloway remains in custody without bond, reflecting the grave nature of the charges against her. Patricia Ann Stafford, another key figure in this case, was previously arrested for unlawful neglect of a child.

The case came to light on January 11 when officers responded to a call at the 900 block of Kershaw Street. Upon their arrival, they found Tamera deceased inside a bedroom. Investigators have determined that her death likely resulted from an infection caused by untreated severe burns. It has been alleged that Tamera sustained these burns while in the care of Stafford, who reportedly failed to seek appropriate medical treatment for her injuries.

According to the investigation, from January 8 to January 10, Holloway-Wilson neglected to obtain medical assistance for her daughter, even though it was clear that Tamera had serious burn injuries on both legs. Holloway has been accused of inflicting significant harm on Tamera by intentionally striking her legs with hot liquid, thus causing second-degree burns.

The coroner, Keith von Lutcken, indicated that had Tamera received timely medical attention, she might have been referred to a specialized burn treatment facility, considering the extent of her injuries. The autopsy confirmed that Tamera suffered from second and third-degree burns that covered substantial portions of her legs.

Authorities are concerned about the conflicting narratives surrounding how the child sustained her burns. There is speculation that the burns were caused by hot water, but law enforcement continues to investigate this tragic incident in search of additional details. The emotional and physical trauma that the child likely experienced has raised further alarm within the community.

Both Holloway and Holloway-Wilson are currently held at the Florence County Detention Center. During a recent court appearance, Stafford expressed remorse and claimed ignorance about the severity of the burns, insisting that Tamera was already injured prior to being left in her care.

As law enforcement carries out its investigation, there is potential for further arrests as new information comes to light. This case has sparked an urgent discourse on child safety and care practices within the community, reflecting the ongoing concern for vulnerable individuals.

Overall, this tragic incident has left a profound impact on the Florence community, highlighting the dire consequences of neglect and the need for immediate intervention in cases of child endangerment. Authorities are expected to continue their inquiries thoroughly, aiming to seek justice for Tamera Gurley and ensure the safety of other children. The investigation remains open as officials work to unveil all circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event.

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Additional Resources

• WPDE News
• WBTW News
• Post and Courier
• Wikipedia: Child Neglect
• Fox19 News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse