3-Year-Old Dies After Pulling Boiling Water Onto Himself, Mom Charged with Manslaughter
(Brenda Mims/GoFundMe)
A Franklin County grand jury has indicted a Columbus mother in connection with the death of her 3-year-old son, Emmanuel Mims, who suffered fatal burn injuries earlier this month. Laronda Mims, 45, faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of endangering children following the tragic incident.
Columbus police were called to the 900 block of Eaton Avenue in South Franklinton on January 6 around 7:40 a.m. after reports of a child with severe burn injuries. According to a 911 call, Mims told dispatchers that her son had pulled a pot of boiling water onto himself. “My baby grabbed some hot water off the stove, and I don’t know if he’s conscious,” she said during the call.
Despite emergency efforts, Emmanuel succumbed to his injuries. Detectives investigated the incident and referred the case to the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, which presented it to a grand jury. On Tuesday, the grand jury returned an indictment charging Mims with one count of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of endangering children.
Police records reveal that officers had previously responded to the same address for various incidents, including domestic disputes, domestic violence, reports of a person with a knife, a person with a gun, and a missing person report. These prior calls suggest a history of disturbances at the residence.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, Franklin County Children’s Services confirmed that they had been working with the Mims family before Emmanuel’s death. Following the incident, the agency took custody of two other children living in the apartment. The agency has not disclosed further details about its prior involvement with the family, citing confidentiality policies.
The indictment raises questions about the circumstances surrounding Emmanuel’s death and whether adequate precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the children in the home. Involuntary manslaughter charges typically indicate that the accused acted negligently or recklessly, leading to the death of another person.
The case has sparked concern in the community, with many calling for greater accountability and support for families in crisis. Child safety advocates emphasize the importance of supervision and preventive measures, especially in households with young children, to avoid tragic accidents, according to ABC 6.
Laronda Mims is expected to appear in court to face the charges. If convicted, she could face significant penalties, including prison time. The Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office has not yet commented on the specifics of the case or the evidence presented to the grand jury. Brenda Mims created a GoFundMe account to help with Emmanuel’s final expenses.
As the legal process unfolds, the community mourns the loss of Emmanuel Mims, a young life cut short under heartbreaking circumstances. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and intervention to protect vulnerable children and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
