‘Heartbreaking case,’ sheriff says after death of 5-year-old and parent’s arrest
The father of a 5-year-old boy was arrested Friday in connection with the death of his child, police say.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department announced the arrest of Michael Cornelius Gamble, 37. The sheriff’s department charged him with homicide by child abuse.
On Jan. 22, Richland County investigators were contacted by the coroner’s officer about an unresponsive child that was rushed to the hospital, according to a statement by RCSD. The child was picked up by ambulance from Overland Drive in North Columbia.
The child had severe bruising over his body and was pronounced dead at the hospital, the statement said.
An autopsy concluded that the boy had significant injuries on the head and body that caused his death, Richland County Coroner Gary Watt said.
A police investigation revealed that the child was under the care of his biological father just before the child died.
The State Law Enforcement Division arrested Gamble in Manning, SC without incident, RCSD said. He’s being transported back to Richland County and will be booked and held at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
“This is a heartbreaking case,” Sheriff Leon Lott said. “We will ensure the father is held responsible. To parents, who are overwhelmed with your children, please reach out to us. We have plenty of resources that can help prevent a tragic outcome like this one.”
This story was originally published January 25, 2019 at 12:47 PM.