MILLCREEK, Utah, May 1, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — An 18-month-old boy who police say was intentionally held under water by his stepfather Friday night has died at Primary Children’s Hospital.
Ethan Antes died just before 10 a.m. Sunday morning.
Charges against Codey Jolley, 28, the accused killer, will be amended to child abuse homicide.
Jolley was previously identified by police as the boyfriend of the Ethan’s mother. The Unified Police Department on Sunday confirmed Jolley and Ethan’s mother were married.
Jolley was initially booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on a first degree felony charge of child abuse — attempted homicide, and on a third degree felony of child abuse — infliction of serious physical injury.
Det. Ken Hansen, Unified Police Department, said his department was called at 8:50 p.m. Friday to a residence near 4100 South and 350 East.
“We had a report of a possible drowning,” Hansen said. “There was a significant rescue effort there by the fire department and their ambulance crews. The child was revived.”
“Our detectives responded, and after a closer look, it appears that this was not an accident. So today, we booked the live-in boyfriend for attempted child abuse homicide and child abuse.”
That was after doctors treating the child agreed that the injuries to the child did not match the account given of how the boy was hurt, Hansen said.
The child’s mother was at work at the time of the alleged attack.
A GoFundMe page set up by friends of the family to help pay for medical and funeral expenses has so far raised $1,445.
The page initially said: “This wonderful mother and her sweet little boy have been thrown the unexpected. Ethan is in critical condition at a hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. As you may have seen in recent news, this is a very devastating time in the family’s lives. No parent should ever have to see her child go through something like this, every penny helps and if you aren’t able, prayers and good vibes are greatly needed for this handsome boy and his family.”
After Ethan passed away Sunday morning, the page was updated to read: Thank you so, soo much to everyone who has donated! As of 9:52 a.m. Sweet baby Ethan Jay Antes is flying high with the angels. Due to his passing I am raising the goal to pay for funeral costs as well.
Rest In Peace.”
A photo of Ethan in the hospital was accompanied by the caption: “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”
