Insets, from left: Less Thompson, Jr., Deshante LaShawn Beard and Jacob Williams. Background: The 200 block of Belmont Farms Drive in Ellenwood, Georgia, where Jacob was murdered (Henry County Police Department).
A tragic case unfolded in Georgia where a couple has been sentenced to prison after the death of a 6-year-old boy, who was subjected to grueling exercises in the sweltering heat as punishment for wetting the bed.
On Monday, Less Thompson, Jr., 33, received a life sentence without parole after being found guilty by a jury in October for charges including felony murder, aggravated assault, and first-degree child cruelty. Meanwhile, Deshante LaShawn Beard, 37, was handed a 30-year sentence, with 25 years to be served in prison, following her guilty plea to second-degree murder, according to the Henry County District Attorney’s Office.
Jacob Williams, the young victim, was the son of Beard and stepson to her boyfriend, Thompson. Prosecutors detailed that prior to June 13, 2021, the couple physically punished the child with a belt for bedwetting at their residence on Belmont Farms Drive in Ellenwood, approximately 15 miles from Atlanta. On that fateful morning, another bedwetting incident led to an outburst of rage from the adults.
Jacob was then forced to perform strenuous activities such as running laps and doing push-ups. When the boy expressed fatigue, his mother and Thompson resorted to beating him, which led to his collapse. Shockingly, they delayed seeking medical help, waiting four hours before contacting 911.
Although paramedics quickly transported Jacob to the hospital, it was too late to save him. The excessive exertion caused his body to go into shock, resulting in brain swelling and ultimately, his demise. According to local NBC affiliate WXIA, Jacob’s body bore bruises over 80% of its surface, alongside a broken arm and severe head trauma.
A neighbor recounted the chilling moment when Thompson was seen screaming while holding the child’s lifeless body.
“The baby was lifeless then and had blood coming out of his mouth,” she said.
District Attorney Darius Pattillo called the incident a “terrible crime.”
“A child’s life was taken by the very people who were responsible for caring for him and keeping him safe,” he said in a statement. “Now that the case is closed, we hope this resolution brings some measure of peace to those who loved him. Our hearts go out to all who have been affected by this.”
