CHARLOTTE, NC. (THECOUNT) — Julien Grayson, a 7-month-old boy from Charlotte, North Carolina, has died after suffering severe head injuries while in the care of babysitter Shidae Sellers, 28, also of Charlotte. Sellers has been charged with first-degree murder, authorities said.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said they were contacted by the Department of Social Services on Sept. 10 regarding Julien, who was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
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According to an arrest affidavit, Julien had been in Sellers’ care since Sept. 7. The baby’s mother told investigators that Sellers called her on Sept. 9 and instructed her to meet at the hospital.
Sellers reportedly told the mother that Julien was not feeling well and had fallen off a couch, according to the affidavit.
When police arrived at the hospital, they learned that Julien had been intubated and was suffering from skull fractures and torn nerve fibers in his brain.
Investigators said the torn nerve fibers are typically associated with rapid movement or impact. Medical personnel told police that the injuries did not line up with Sellers’ explanation of the reported couch fall.
Police interviewed Sellers, who allegedly said she was the only person with Julien when he reportedly fell from the couch. Investigators said she denied that anything else had happened to the child.
The affidavit indicates that the medical evidence raised concerns about the explanation provided by Sellers. Julien remained hospitalized while receiving treatment for his injuries.
Sellers was arrested Sept. 10 and initially charged with child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury. On Wednesday, police announced that Julien had died from his injuries.
Following the child’s death, Sellers’ charges were upgraded Thursday to first-degree murder. She remains in custody at the Mecklenburg County jail.
Authorities have not released additional details concerning the precise circumstances that led to Julien’s injuries. Information about a possible bond hearing, court appearance or attorney representing Sellers was not immediately available.
The case remains under investigation by Charlotte-Mecklenburg police. The allegations against Sellers have not been proven in court, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Charlotte is located in Mecklenburg County in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. The city is approximately 25 miles north of the South Carolina border and is the largest city in the state.
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