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Boy, 7, Found Duct-Taped in Closet: Cause of Death Revealed
16 Aug
Summary
- Seven-year-old William Evans-Ellis died from blunt force trauma to the head.
- The boy suffered numerous bruises of various ages and severe elbow injuries.
- Three women, including his mother, face charges including aggravated murder.
William Evans-Ellis, a 7-year-old boy from Cincinnati, was discovered unresponsive in a closet at his home on August 6, 2026. Subsequent investigation by the Hamilton County Coroner revealed that the child died from blunt force trauma to the head. The coroner also noted a multitude of other injuries, including a severe fracture to the elbow and bruises that appeared over a period of time, suggesting ongoing abuse.
Three women—Kaitlin Evans, 38, Nessa Keaney, 23, and Kirby Rankin, 33—who co-parented William and lived together in the home, have been charged. They face 13 counts, including aggravated murder, kidnapping, and child endangerment. All three pleaded not guilty to these charges. Authorities are investigating whether the death penalty may be warranted as the case progresses.
