SPD Closes Case on Tragic Incident Involving Child's Death
Statesville, North Carolina – December 18, 2023: The Statesville Police Department is providing an update on a tragic incident that occurred on September 5, 2019, and has now reached a conclusion.
On September 5, 2019, the Statesville Police Department received a call and dispatched officers to 1203 Alexander Street in response to an unresponsive 2-year-old child. Upon arrival at the scene, officers spoke with Jordan Simmons, who was identified as the child's stepfather. Simmons reported that he had taken the child on a motorcycle ride earlier that day, which resulted in an accident.
He further stated that upon returning home, he placed the child in a bathtub filled with water before briefly leaving the premises. When he returned, he discovered the child unresponsive in the bathtub. Despite immediate transportation to Iredell Memorial Hospital, the child passed away.
The investigation, led by the Criminal Investigations Division, uncovered evidence suggesting that the child's injuries were inconsistent with the initial account provided by Jordan Simmons. As the investigation progressed, Simmons was arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Murder and Felony Child Abuse with Serious Injury.
On December 12, 2023, Jordan Hoyt Simmons entered an Alford plea to 2nd Degree Murder during a court hearing presided over by the Honorable J. Crosswhite. Assistant District Attorney Carrie Nitzu prosecuted the case, which resulted in Judge Crosswhite sentencing Simmons to an active term of 125 to 164 months.
The Statesville Police Department wishes to express its gratitude to District Attorney Sarah Kirkman and the entire District Attorney's Office for their dedication and commitment to seeking justice and closure for the family and community affected by this tragedy.
