Detroit, MI — A Detroit couple is facing multiple felony charges after the death of a 9-year-old boy, who prosecutors say was locked away, abused, and died from untreated pneumonia.
The legal guardians, identified as 46-year-old Sherman Devaughn Jones and 41-year-old Sampaguita L. Jones, have been charged with felony murder, torture, and involuntary manslaughter, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. Both are allegedly licensed foster care workers and have operated a foster home since at least 2018.
The case came to light on September 19, 2024, when medics were called to a home on Gladstone Street around 12:30 p.m. for reports of an unresponsive child. The 9-year-old boy, identified as Owen, was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His cause of death was determined to be pneumonia — a condition that is extremely rare for a healthy, treated child, according to prosecutors.
An autopsy revealed a disturbing pattern of prolonged abuse and neglect. The boy reportedly had numerous scars, bruises, and fractures to several parts of his body, including his ribs, pelvis, arms, and hands. The child was severely underweight and had a protruding stomach, signs of extreme malnutrition and mistreatment.
Investigators allege that the boy was locked in his bedroom, denied access to the outdoors, withheld from wellness checks, and homeschooled — all measures prosecutors believe were intended to conceal the abuse.
Authorities say the child’s mother had been attempting to regain custody of him prior to his death.
A family member of Sherman Jones reportedly noticed injuries on the boy as far back as June 2023 and alerted Child Protective Services (CPS). However, prosecutors claim CPS failed to open an appropriate investigation at the time. It wasn’t until after the boy’s death that CPS launched a formal investigation.
According to the medical examiner, Owen’s death was classified as a homicide due to the defendants’ failure to seek medical care for his worsening pneumonia symptoms. His right lung was compressed as his chest cavity filled with pus — a result of weeks of ignored, progressive illness.
A judge called the allegations “egregious” and ordered both defendants to remain in jail. A probable cause conference is scheduled for July 3, followed by a preliminary examination on July 10.
The case remains under investigation.
