RICHMOND, Va. -- Police arrested a Richmond mother's boyfriend in connection with the death of her two-year-old child.
O’ustin Spratley died at the hospital after EMS was called to his Oakhurst Lane home Wednesday afternoon.
Richmond police said Friday that the boy died of blunt force trauma to abdomen and the manner of death is homicide.
Shortly after Spratley's death, police arrested 43-year-old Kevin L. Webb.
Webb, who lived in the same home as Spratley, was charged with felony child abuse and malicious wounding.
The suspect used to cut hair at a Chesterfield barber shop.
Thursday night he was behind bars, accused of malicious wounding and child abuse leading to the death of his girlfriend’s son.
Back at the apartment they all shared at 1406 Oakhurst Drive, off Forest Hill Avenue, neighbor Lillie Stevens said it was the most activity she had seen in quite some time.
"Fire trucks, ambulances and police." Stevens said. "I'm shocked. I've lived here five years and this is the first I've heard of a child being hurt.”
It happened Wednesday afternoon. Police sources tell CBS 6 News the 43-year-old Webb called 911 to report a medical emergency involving two-year-old O'ustin Spratley.
The child died at the hospital a short time later and police believe there were signs of child abuse.
"It’s very out of character," said Wendell Hargrove, who owns Del's Barber Shop in Chesterfield County. He says he never saw this coming. He hired Webb as a barber a few months ago, but recently let him go.
"He seemed mild-mannered,” said Hargrove. “He didn't seem like he'd do anything violent."
Neighbors say they didn't know much about the family but believe Webb and his girlfriend moved in a couple of months ago. They said they were saddened by the tragic loss of such a young boy.
"I’m just confused to as why this would happen,” said Hargrove. “That boy can't defend himself. He surely couldn't stop a whooping. It's the coward way out, man."
Police say the investigation continues and that more charges could be pending.
CBS 6 News tried to speak with little O'ustin’s mother Thursday. She asked that we respect her family’s privacy.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000.
