A deeply disturbing child welfare case in Kentucky has led to criminal charges against two 22-year-olds after a 1-year-old boy, identified in multiple reports as Mason Moulding, suffered a fatal choking incident while allegedly living in severely unsanitary conditions.
Authorities say the investigation began on the night of July 27, 2026, when the child was taken to a hospital in Allen County. According to police records cited by multiple news outlets, medical personnel observed concerning injuries, including bleeding around his mouth and bruising on his body. The boy was later pronounced dead.
Investigators Say the Child Choked on Part of a Soiled Diaper
Police allege Deavan Williams, 22, was caring for the child while the boy’s mother, Alexandrae Price, 22, was at work.
According to arrest documents, Williams told investigators that he had fallen asleep while supervising the child. Authorities allege the boy consumed portions of a feces-contaminated diaper and choked.
Investigators also say Williams acknowledged knowing that the child had previously tried to eat soiled diapers and other unsafe objects.
But what investigators reportedly discovered inside the residence soon turned the case into something much larger than a single choking incident.
Police Describe Hazardous Living Conditions
According to court documents cited by the New York Post and other outlets, investigators described an un-air-conditioned garage containing large amounts of trash, beer cans, used diapers and heavy cat urine.
The child’s playpen was allegedly positioned directly on a contaminated floor.
Authorities reported additional hazards that included animal urine and feces, raw sewage and decomposing animals. Investigators also described flies, spiders, high moisture levels and poor ventilation in areas associated with the child’s living environment.
Police records further allege that the adults acknowledged bathing the boy using an outdoor hose.
One particularly troubling detail in the court documents was Williams’ alleged statement that he was surprised the child had not developed parasites because of the conditions around him.
Authorities Say Warning Signs Existed Before the Incident
Investigators allege the choking was not the first indication that the child was consuming dangerous objects.
According to the arrest documents, Williams told police the boy routinely attempted to eat items including diapers and couch cushions.
Court records also allege Williams gave the child extremely spicy foods despite Price telling him to stop.
Those details are now part of investigators’ broader examination of how the child was being cared for before the July 27 emergency.
Two Adults Face Criminal Charges
Williams was initially arrested on a first-degree child abuse charge. Authorities later obtained a warrant charging him with wanton murder in connection with Mason’s death.
Price was also arrested and charged with child abuse.
The allegations against both defendants remain subject to the court process, and criminal charges should not be treated as proof of guilt unless established in court.
The case has drawn attention not only because of the circumstances surrounding the child’s final hours, but because investigators allege the hazardous environment existed before the emergency that brought authorities to the home.
As the case moves through Kentucky’s court system, investigators and prosecutors will now have to establish exactly what happened inside the residence — and whether the tragedy could have been prevented.
Sources
New York Post — Parents jailed after baby chokes on dirty diaper while living in trash-filled garage: police