WEST MELBOURNE, Fla. – A Florida mother, Erica Beth Dotson, 31, is set to go on trial this week after being accused of killing her 3-year-old son through prolonged neglect and abuse. Authorities claim Dotson once attempted to blame a duck for some of the child’s injuries, highlighting the extreme neglect and violence her son endured.
Details of the Fatal Incident
On July 11, 2021, police responded to a 911 call reporting a “child not breathing” at an apartment on Lago Circle in West Melbourne, roughly 70 miles southeast of Orlando. Officers encountered Dotson holding the lifeless body of Jameson Nance, her 3-year-old son.
An autopsy revealed Jameson suffered from prolonged battered child syndrome, with injuries inflicted weeks before his death. These included:
- A broken tooth pushed into his gums
- A cut on his jaw
- A fractured right rib and left arm
- A ruptured esophagus
- Seven stab wounds to the head, some fresh and some healing
First responders noted the severity of the child’s condition immediately, observing significant bruising and facial swelling.
Timeline and Neglect Allegations
Dotson allegedly told investigators that she woke around 5:15 a.m., “snuggled” with Jameson, and left for work an hour later. Her boyfriend, Joshua Andrew Manns, 29, reportedly informed her around 7 p.m. that Jameson “was not good.” Manns did not call 911, and Dotson herself eventually dialed emergency services while driving to the apartment, arriving moments before police.
According to authorities, Manns had left a note claiming he suffered a seizure while giving Jameson a bath and that the boy had drowned, though the medical examiner later determined cardiac arrest as the cause of death with no evidence of drowning.
History of Abuse and Investigations
- February 2019: Jameson broke his leg in an “unwitnessed event,” prompting a DCF investigation.
- March 2021: He broke his leg again; DCF investigated after adults claimed he fell off a curb.
- On his last day at daycare, staff noticed injuries to his face, previously attributed to a duck incident near a pond.
Prosecutors allege that Manns repeatedly abused Jameson while Dotson failed to intervene. A judge severed their trials in June, with Dotson’s trial beginning this Wednesday, according to Law and Crime.
Charges Against Dotson
Dotson faces multiple serious charges, including:
- Premeditated first-degree murder
- Aggravated manslaughter of a child
- Aggravated child abuse
- Child neglect with great bodily harm
Community Response and Concerns
The case has shocked the West Melbourne community, raising awareness about child abuse, neglect, and failures in monitoring vulnerable children. Authorities emphasize the need for vigilance and swift action when warning signs are present to prevent tragedies like Jameson’s death.
We want to hear from you. Share your thoughts on child safety and prevention of abuse in the comments below. If you suspect a child is in danger, contact your local child protection services immediately.
