MILLCREEK, Utah, May 2, 2016 (Gephardt Daily) — The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition has released a statement regarding an 18-month-old boy who died Sunday after police say he was held underwater intentionally by his stepfather.
Ethan Jay Antes died just before 10 a.m. Sunday morning at Primary Children’s Hospital. The incident happened Friday evening. Charges against Codey Jolley, 28, the accused killer, will be amended from attempted child abuse homicide to child abuse homicide .
Jenn Oxborrow, executive director of the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition, said a broader awareness of child abuse is important.
“The tragic death of the 18-month-old toddler in Millcreek this weekend is a strong reminder of the need for more domestic abuse awareness, prevention, support and resources in Utah,” Oxborrow said, in a prepared statement.
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to the family and friends of the toddler ─ his death and the abuse he experienced leading up to it are both horrific. Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse and everyone can prevent domestic abuse.
“We encourage neighbors, family, friends, coworkers and anyone else who suspects domestic abuse and/or violence to report it to law enforcement,” Oxborrow’s statement said.
“If they can safely do so, we also encourage them to reach out to those who are being victimized, share their concerns, listen to their feedback and connect them with resources and professionals in their community.”
UDVC’s stated mission is “creating a state where domestic and sexual violence are intolerable.”
Oxborrow added that the coalition’s free, 24-hour hotline ─1-800-897-LINK (5465) ─ is confidential, and is dedicated to informing and supporting all Utahns. UDVC’s website also contains information and resources.
For more information on domestic violence statistics in Utah click here.
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 we booked (Jolley) 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 for Ethan has raised $2,430 so far.
The page offers this tribute:
“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.”
