Jaquinn Brewton
Two people were charged yesterday with the murder of 3-year-old Jaquinn Brewton, who died earlier this week from injuries suffered late last month in an apartment building on the 4700 block of Chestnut Street.
Police say Brewton’s caregiver, 22-year-old Nadera Batson, and her boyfriend, 23-year-old Marcus King, systematically tortured the toddler, including burning him with a small blow torch and beating him.
Brewton died on Tuesday after being taken off life support at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was admitted on June 29 after Batson said he fell down a flight of steps. The 3-year-old began living with Batson, who is reportedly the boy’s godmother, in March. His mother and five siblings were living in a homeless shelter.
Both Batson and King have criminal records. Batson was arrested in 2007 on theft charges and King pleaded guilty to assault charges in 2009.
Brewton was taken to CHOP after Batson said she found him unconscious on the steps in her apartment building. His family asked that he be taken off life support earlier this week. He died within minutes of being taken off.
Neighbors interviewed on the day Brewton was found said they suspected abuse at the apartment, but never reported it.
July 16th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
So sad. Sh^t. I wish I could have saved this baby. RIP Jaquinn.
July 16th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
Somebody could have protected this boy. Anyone who suspects abuse can call Childline at 1(800)932-0313 and leave an anonymous tip. Of course, calling 911 is also an option if you suspect, say, that someone may be using a blowtorch on a child. Sure, it feels risky. But if you think a child may be in danger, weigh the risks, and make the call.
July 16th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
@ Julie, YES people need to call. If they’re wrong, the kid is fine anyway, if they’re right, they might of saved a life.
July 16th, 2011 at 9:10 pm
You got it, April. That’s what I’m trying to say.
July 18th, 2011 at 9:23 am
my questions are if this boy’s mother had the other 4 kids with her living in a shelter then why did she not have this child with her? why let these people have him? she said in the interview she has been trying for month’s to see the boy.he was living with the godmother since march or april. if its your son and you have coustody then call the cops.the said he had burns and other abusive signs. no one saw this? no one call children services? now before they pulled the plug on this angel the family comes out of the wood work crying and screaming? one of them stating “i only saw him twice” if the family was so concerened why didnt they step up and take this angel? i hope the 2 people who are charged get what they deserve.but where was his family?
July 18th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Thank you, Julie, for posting that phone number. Maybe that will save a kid’s life. We can’t turn our backs on our neighbors. When people point out child abuse, others say, “mind your business,” as if it’s impossible to tell a scolding or a spanking from hateful mistreatment. If it looks bad, chances are it is bad. The least we can do is make a phone call.
July 18th, 2011 at 9:42 pm
If you aren’t sure something you witness is abusive, ask yoursef “If a stranger did this to my child would it be ok?.” If it would not be okay, call the professionals and let them do the interviews.
August 14th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
I knew the mother and her 4 kids its so sad because she mad it seem like she only had 4 kids she never mentioned her child she only live across the hall from me and she spent money on food and all I feel bad for this child