New details have emerged in the death of 16-month-old Trae’son Dunn, who was found unresponsive earlier this week inside a home on Ward Avenue.
According to a report from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the residence around 5 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, where EMS personnel informed them that the toddler had likely overdosed on methadone and possibly another unknown substance. Trae’son was pronounced dead at 5:15 a.m.
Authorities also placed a second child, a 3-year-old, into protective custody. That child was transported to the Children’s Hospital of Georgia for evaluation, though officials said earlier this week the move was precautionary.
While no charges have been formally filed, both of the toddler’s parents, Genysis Mortley and Tristan Dunn, were taken into custody and transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. Deputies say the investigation is ongoing, and autopsy and toxicology results are still pending.
Trae’son’s father told deputies he last saw the child at 3 p.m. Monday before leaving for work. When he returned home around 10:45 p.m., he said he was awakened by Mortley, who told him their son was not breathing.
Emergency personnel, including fire and medical units, responded to the scene. The case has also been referred to the Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS).
Earlier this week, Mortley took to social media to share her grief. “My heart is broken. I lost my heart and soul. I am sick to my stomach. I am numb. Please pray for us,” she wrote in a Facebook post alongside photos of her son.
The Richmond County Coroner previously classified the death as suspicious. Investigators have not yet announced whether criminal charges will follow pending the results of the autopsy.