Mom charged after 1-year-old son died in Hurricane Florence. Not everyone on Facebook agrees
Kaiden Lee-Welch, a 1-year-old toddler from Virginia, lost his life along with 40 other people when Hurricane Florence swept through the area.
While the mother was charged for the death of her son, many believed that she could not be held responsible for his death.
Read more on our Twitter account, @amomama_usa. The 20-year-old mother, Dazia Lee, tearfully told reporters that she had done everything in her power to protect Kaiden.
Lee was in the car with her son when floodwaters overwhelmed them. Even though she managed to free him from the vehicle, he was swept away by the strong current.
Source: Facebook
Rescue workers found his body the following day, downstream and wedged between a car and another vehicle.
Authorities have charged her with involuntary manslaughter because she didn't heed instruction and chose to drive down a road that had already been barricaded.
Source: Facebook
Source: Facebook
Sheriff Eddie Cathey said that they "continue to pray for all those suffering as a result of this child's death," but added that the charges are applicable.
Kaiden's family has since spoken to reporters about their loss, and recounted how they prayed and "tried to keep faith that [Kaiden and Lee] were still alive."
Source: Facebook
Source: Facebook
A relative: Maria Davis added:
“It’s tragic anytime you lose a young life because it’s like, ‘What was in store for that person. Everything that lies ahead going forward.”
Social media was abuzz with people who believed that Lee was responsible for Kaiden's death. One Facebook user said she should have known better.
A relative: Maria Davis added: “It’s tragic anytime you lose a young life because it’s like, ‘What was in store for that person. Everything that lies ahead going forward.” Social media was abuzz with people who believed that Lee was responsible for Kaiden's death. One Facebook user said she should have known better.
She added:
"Her job as a parent is to protect that child not to put it in unnecessary danger, she deserves every charge she gets, she made bad choices."
Another said it was a bad decision, while yet another said: "Good. When a parent's irresponsibility and poor choices lead to harm or death of a child, they should face the consequence."
Not everyone agreed, and several users stood up for Kaiden, saying she shouldn't be charged at all.
"Any parent would have done what she did; it is instinct to try and protect your child. Was she supposed to leave him in the car?"
The case is still developing, and more information will be shared as and when it becomes available.