The Pine Bluff Police Department has issued felony warrants for Timothy Martin and Gabrielle Ayers in connection with the death of a two-month-old infant.
According to a probable cause affidavit, officers were dispatched January 3, 2025, to the 200 block of Louisiana Street after a report of an unresponsive child. When officers arrived, emergency crews were attempting life-saving measures on Sebastian Ayers, who was later pronounced dead at Jefferson Regional Medical Center.
Investigators say the infant was found cold and unresponsive, with a recorded body temperature of 88 degrees.
The affidavit states the child had suffered severe injuries, including a skull fracture, brain damage and internal hemorrhaging. An associate medical examiner with the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory determined the injuries were consistent with inflicted trauma and not self-inflicted.
Authorities say additional reports of abuse surfaced days later, including photos showing the infant with swollen eyes during the week of Christmas.
During interviews, Martin told investigators he accidentally struck the child while attempting to remove him from a car seat and admitted he did not seek medical attention. Ayers told investigators she was aware of the incident but also did not seek care.
A witness told authorities the child appeared injured when brought to her home and said she offered to take the infant to the hospital, but Martin declined.
Both Martin and Ayers have been charged with first-degree murder and first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor.
Ayers was arrested April 19 and booked into the Jefferson County Detention Center. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
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