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Boy, 7, Found Tortured and Killed; Mother Charged
11 Aug
Summary
- A 7-year-old boy was found deceased in an Oakley apartment.
- His mother, Kaitlin Evans, faces charges along with two others.
- A foundation is planned to help families and prevent future tragedies.
William Evans-Ellis, a 7-year-old boy, was found deceased in an Oakley apartment on the evening of Thursday, August 6, 2026. Police discovered him bound and duct-taped in a closet, showing clear signs of abuse and torture. His mother, Kaitlin Evans, faces charges alongside Nessa Keany and Kirby Rankin.
Hours before the discovery, Evans sought help at a local emergency department, reporting fears that her partner, Kirby Rankin, was trying to harm her and had taken her son. Police responded and located William's body.
Court proceedings revealed that Evans has a mental handicap. William's family described him as a smart child on the autism spectrum. A grand jury is scheduled to hear the case for all three defendants on August 17, 2026.
William's grandmother is organizing a GoFundMe for his memorial. She hopes to establish a foundation with the raised funds to provide resources to children and families, aiming to ensure their safety and prevent similar tragedies.
