Deshundre Vinson, a 22-year-old performer who appeared on America’s Got Talent, has been charged with first-degree murder after his four-year-old nephew drowned in a swimming pool in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Vinson also faces three counts of aggravated child abuse over the death, which followed an incident at an apartment complex on August 16. He was arrested on Wednesday, September 2, according to court records.
Police officers responding to an unrelated call at about 6pm said they heard screams from the pool area. They found a civilian performing CPR on the child after he had been pulled from the water, and he was taken to hospital.
Investigators said surveillance footage showed the boy entering the pool and struggling in water reported to be about five feet deep. He remained submerged for roughly nine minutes before being rescued, and died five days later from his injuries.
According to the arrest report, Vinson had been expected to supervise the boy, his six-year-old brother and other children. Detectives said footage did not show Vinson at the pool before, during or after the drowning, while the two brothers were seen walking about 0.2 miles to the pool without an adult.
The pool displayed warnings that no lifeguard was on duty and that children under 14 were not permitted to use it without adult supervision. Police also said they obtained messages in which Vinson allegedly acknowledged the lack of supervision and his delayed response.
Vinson remains in custody at Hamilton County Jail, with a total bond of $900,000, and has been appointed a public defender. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8.
Deputy public defender Mike Little said the case was new to his office and it was too soon for the defence to comment. Vinson has not been convicted, and the charges against him remain allegations.
Vinson gained national attention as a member of the R&B trio Citi Limitz, which appeared on America’s Got Talent and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
