5-year-old Slapped, Tossed and Thrown to Wall by Father’s Girlfriend; Woman Gets Life after Boy Died from Horrific Abuse in Tennessee

In Springfield, Tennessee, Smokey Barn News reports: A Springfield woman has been convicted of aggravated child abuse involving torture in connection with the tragic death of 5-year-old Turner Simpkins. Shannon Leigh Elliott, 27, entered a plea of no contest to the charges this week, with Judge David D. Wolfe presiding, choosing not to go to trial.

In a small town called Chapmansboro, a case unfolded on July 23, 2023. Law enforcement and medical personnel swiftly responded to a residence on Poplar Ridge Road. Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered Turner Simpkins unconscious on the side deck of the residence. During Elliott’s hearing on July 30th, evidence was presented that revealed Turner’s alarming condition. Turner was found not breathing, with a body temperature as low as 86 degrees.

Additionally, Turner had suffered from severe bruising, lacerations, and bite marks. The individual was pronounced deceased at 4:42 p.m. following unsuccessful resuscitation efforts.

An investigation conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office, and Tennessee Highway Patrol has uncovered that Turner had experienced chronic blunt force injuries and malnourishment. Shannon Elliott, the girlfriend of Turner’s father, has been identified as the person responsible for these injuries.

At the hearing, Judge David D. Wolfe was presented with the evidence against Elliott. The allegations were disturbing. Turner’s stomach appeared swollen and discolored, while his face showed signs of bruising. Additionally, he had cuts on his hands, legs, and arms.

He was not breathing and had internal bleeding. Turner could not be revived by EMS. The state’s presentation during the hearing, which provided a comprehensive account of the abuse Turner faced in both his personal and professional life, lasted for more than 20 minutes.

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According to a TBI investigation, surveillance video captured Elliott abusing the child over several months while taking Turner to work with her. A surveillance video captured Turner’s activities at work for a span of 79 days, from May 2, 2023, to July 19, 2023.

The TBI thoroughly reviewed the recordings and documented multiple instances of physical aggression towards Turner by Elliott. During the hearing, the medical examiner provided a detailed account of the cause of death, which was determined to be a result of multiple acute blunt-force trauma injuries and malnutrition.

In a statement released by the TBI in March, it was announced that Elliott had been indicted by the Cheatham County Grand Jury. The charges against Elliott include two counts of First Degree Murder and three counts of Aggravated Child Abuse/Neglect/Endangerment. An arrest was made and the individual was detained on a bond of $1,000,000.

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