Shannon Elliott: Tennessee woman charged over death of boyfriend's child from abuse and malnourishment

Shannon Elliott: Tennessee woman charged over death of boyfriend's child from abuse and malnourishment
A Tennessee woman is being charged for allegedly injuring, killing her boyfriend's 5-year-old son (Getty Images)

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CHAPMANSBORO, TENNESSEE: A Springfield woman is now facing multiple charges, following an investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation into the death of a Chapmansboro child.

The deceased child, 5-year-old Turner Simpkins, was discovered at his residence on Poplar Ridge Road in Chapmansboro. Additional details regarding the child's death and the charges against the accused, Shannon Leigh Elliott, have emerged following the investigation.

What are the charges placed on Shannon Leigh Elliott?

Following the tragic death of 5-year-old Turner Simpkins, allegations have surfaced pointing to his father's girlfriend, Shannon Elliott, as the individual responsible for the child's injuries. 

On March 4, the Cheatham County Grand Jury returned indictments against 26-year-old Shannon Leigh Elliott, charging her with two counts of First Degree Murder and three counts of Aggravated Child Abuse/ Neglect/ Endangerment. 

Elliott was subsequently arrested and booked into the Cheatham County Jail on Monday evening, with a bond set at $1,000,000 as per BNN breaking.

What did investigators report after finding child's body?

The investigation into Turner Simpkins' death by the TBI commenced after his body was discovered at his residence on Poplar Ridge Road on July 23, 2023. Initial discoveries were troubling, as Turner's injuries suggested a pattern of prolonged blunt force trauma and malnourishment. 

These findings prompted authorities to label his death as a homicide, a deeply troubling development for the community. 

Subsequent investigation into this heartbreaking incident identified Shannon Leigh Elliott, aged 26 and in a relationship with Turner's father, as the individual accountable for the young boy's severe injuries.

Robin Howington's trial begins in Tennessee for allegedly killing 5-year-old girl

Robin Howington, Destiny Oliver (Knox County Jail, Facebook)
Robin Howington, Destiny Oliver (Knox County Jail, Facebook)

In a similar incident, on Monday, March 4, 2024, a Knox County jury began hearing testimony about the 2019 death of a 5-year-old girl. The case involves uncertainty about the perpetrator's identity. The victim, Destiny Oliver, was shot and killed on September 19, 2019.

Robin Howington, aged 41, is facing charges in Knox County Criminal Court related to the felony murder of her daughter Destiny Oliver.

In addition to the felony murder charge, which suggests a killing during another felony, Howington is also accused of aggravated child neglect, evidence tampering, making a false report, and attempted evidence tampering.

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