The prosecutor wrapped up its case Thursday, May 11, against a man accused of murder in the death of his girlfriend’s 23-month-old son three years ago.
Charles Michael Sconyers, 34, has pleaded not guilty in Columbia County Superior Court to charges of murder and child abuse in the death of Lincoln Davitte.
Sconyers is accused of causing a catastrophic head injury that led to Lincoln’s death on May 4, 2019.
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In making a motion for a directed verdict of acquittal Thursday, defense attorney Keith Johnson stressed that none of more than a dozen witnesses who have testified could say with certainty that Sconyers hurt Lincoln on May 1, 2019. But as Judge J. Wade Padgett noted in denying the motion, there is circumstantial evidence against Sconyers.
Sconyers was the only person at home with Lincoln when the state contends Lincoln suffered a massive skull fracture on May 1, 2019. He never regained consciousness.
Dr. Lora Darrisaw, the state’s medical examiner, testified Thursday that Lincoln suffered such a severe blow or blows that his skull was fractured from the top to the bottom of his skull and around both sides. It certainly wasn’t an injury that would result from a toddler tripping and falling on his face, Darrisaw said.
Sconyers said after the toddler was hospitalized that Lincoln was outside alone when he heard a thud and a scream and then found Lincoln face down, unconscious.
Lincoln had previously injuries such as black eyes and bruises, witnesses have testified this week. Lincoln’s mother told others and told the jury this week that those injuries were caused by accidents when Lincoln was sleep walking and on April 29, 2019, when Lincoln fell while climbing on his highchair at her mother’s house.
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The last prosecution witness was a court-appointed child advocate for Lincoln’s older half-sister. She testified Lincoln’s mother made no effort to request visitation with her daughter, which she would have been granted if she ended her relationship with Sconyers. Lincoln’s mother and Sconyers are now engaged.
Sconyers expects to testify he told the judge Thursday. He does, however, have the absolute right to choose not to do so later. The first defense witness was a long-time friend of Sconyers’ who testified he has never known Sconyers to be violent or dishonest. Sconyers was a first responder and member of the Richmond County Fire Department before his arrest in 2019.
Sandy Hodson is a staff reporter covering courts for The Augusta Press. Reach her at sandy@theaugustapress.com.
