The Colleton County Coroner’s Office has identified the young boy who died last week in what authorities are calling a homicide by child abuse. Four-year-old Ki’zadyn Shuler, known affectionately as “Zae,” died from blunt force trauma to the head and neck, according to Coroner Richard Harvey.
His mother, 25-year-old Francesca Michelle Shuler, and her boyfriend, 24-year-old Kasiem Rashawn Stephens, have been charged with homicide by child abuse in connection with his death. Sheriff’s Lt. Tyger Benton said the two were arrested Thursday evening, about four hours after Ki’zadyn was rushed to Colleton County Medical Center.
Deputies reported that the child arrived at the hospital unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead. Arrest warrants also revealed the boy suffered multiple cuts and bruises across his body. “This was a tragic incident happening to a child like this,” said Ki’zadyn’s uncle, Philip Shuler. “It’s definitely, definitely shocking. Shocking and hurting.”
He described the past week as incredibly difficult for the family. Family members remembered Ki’zadyn as a playful and affectionate boy who loved being outdoors. “Every time we would come, he would run up to the car and say Hey! Hey!” his aunt, Joanna Shuler, recalled. “He would ask about the puppies.” Philip added, “[He was] very loving and playful. He was just innocent and happy.”
Both suspects were denied bond on Friday afternoon on the homicide by child abuse charge. They were also each given a $150,000 bond on an additional charge of unlawful neglect involving Francesca Shuler’s six-year-old daughter, Ki’zadyn’s sister. Philip said he has not yet spoken to his sister, but struggled to believe she could harm her child.
“There weren’t any signs of that,” he said. “When she grew up, she was a lovable child from a loving family. No trouble making.” He and Joanna suggested Francesca may have been trapped in an abusive relationship with Stephens. Investigators believe the crime occurred at the couple’s home on Novits Nook Court.
So far, neither Colleton County nor Dorchester County deputies have records of domestic disturbance calls at the residence. For Ki’zadyn’s family, the shock and grief remain overwhelming. “He was my heart, and it hurts me that something like this happened to an innocent baby,” Joanna said.