Curtis was placed in foster care shortly after his birth, when he was seven days old. His foster family, who loved him like their own child, hoped to be able to adopt him, explains People. However, in March 2023, a judge ruled that Curtis must return to his biological mother, Timmeka Eggleton, then 31 years old. This decision, taken over the objections of the host family, turned out to be tragic.
On June 14, 2023, Curtis was found unconscious in his pram, inside a store. Rushed to a local hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The medical examiner’s office concluded that the boy died from severe bodily trauma, inconsistent with an accidental cause. Timmeka Eggleton was arrested five days later and charged with murder.
“Our son should be alive today”
Curtis’ foster parents expressed their grief and anger after Eggleton’s arrest. “Our son should be alive today“, said the host mother to FOX8. “He brought so much joy into our lives.“These poignant words illustrate the strong bond that was created between Curtis and his host family during the two and a half years they spent together.
The foster family had done everything they could to provide Curtis with a loving and stable home. They planned to adopt him and raise him as their own child. The decision to send him back to his biological mother shattered their dreams and, ultimately, sadly cost Curtis his life.
“This conviction is an important step”
The news of Curtis’ death shook the Ohio community to its core. Timmeka Eggleton pleaded guilty to murder, aggravated assault and child endangerment on June 11, 2024. The sentence will be pronounced on July 22 and she faces life imprisonment. Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley stated that “This conviction is an important step in bringing justice to Curtis Witcher, who was only 3 years old when his mother killed him. My deepest condolences go out to everyone who loved this child.“
The tragedy notably raised questions about the child welfare system and court decisions regarding childcare. Many voices are being raised to demand reforms to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
“We did everything to give him a better life”
Curtis’ friends and family continue to mourn his loss and fight for justice. They hope Timmeka Eggleton’s conviction will serve as an example and will encourage changes in family placement and return to biological family procedures.
The pain of Curtis’ loved ones is palpable, with many wondering how the system could have failed to protect such a vulnerable child. “We did everything to give him a better life“said one of the host family members.”He didn’t deserve this.“
