A former ‘America’s Got Talent’ contestant is facing serious charges following a heartbreaking incident involving a young child. Deshundre Vinson, 22, has been arrested in Tennessee. Authorities say the charges stem from the death of his 4-year-old nephew, who drowned at an apartment complex swimming pool.
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Deshundre Vinson Faces Serious Charges After Tragic Pool Incident
According to Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office inmate records viewed by PEOPLE, Deshundre Vinson was arrested Wednesday, Sept. 2, and charged with first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated child abuse. His bond has reportedly been set at $750,000, with his next court appearance reportedly scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 8.
The charges stem from an Aug. 16 incident at a Central Avenue apartment complex in Chattanooga, Tennessee. According to local reports, Chattanooga police officers were responding to an unrelated incident around 5:40 p.m. when they heard screaming coming from the pool area and discovered people performing CPR on a 4-year-old boy who had been pulled from the water.
Surveillance Footage Reportedly Captured The Moment
The child was transported to a hospital following the incident. He remained in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for approximately five days before he died. Investigators reportedly reviewed surveillance footage that showed the boy walking from the center edge of the pool into deeper water while holding onto the edge, before appearing to slip and struggle. According to Chattanoogan.com, the footage showed the child remaining underwater for approximately nine minutes before someone noticed him, pulled him from the pool, and began CPR.
Investigators Detail Vinson’s Alleged Lack Of Supervision
According to investigators, the child was Vinson’s nephew, and Vinson had reportedly been babysitting him, his 6-year-old brother, and other children that day. Authorities also allege that Vinson allowed the two brothers to walk approximately 0.2 miles to the apartment pool without adult supervision. Investigators reportedly found messages between Vinson and the child’s mother. In the messages, he allegedly acknowledged the lack of supervision and his delayed response to the drowning.
Vinson previously gained national attention as part of the R&B trio Citi Limitz, which appeared on ‘America’s Got Talent’ and ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show.’ PEOPLE reported that they reached out to the Chattanooga Police Department for comment on Sept. 5 but did not immediately receive a response. Vinson’s next court date is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8.
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