Heartbreak in a community after a man is charged with a toddler's murder

Saturday, May 11, 2019

COLUMBIA COUNTY, GA (WRDW) -- An Augusta firefighter is charged with murder in the death of a toddler. Charles Sconyers is accused in the death of his girlfriend's one-year-old son.

Family says Lincoln William Davitte was a sweet little boy with family and friends who loved him very much.

Meanwhile, neighbors who saw it happen want answers one day after learning the man involved is now charged with murder.

"What happened? Why the baby?" neighbor Ramona Rodriguez said.

It's a question everyone's asking on Edgecliff Lane.

"I'm so sorry this took place to such a small little baby," Rodriguez said. "An innocent kid."

It's a sentiment carried throughout this community.

"How can a person have such a heart to do such a devastating... I'm out of words to be honest with you," Rodriguez said. "I just can't believe it that something like that is happening so close to me."

Just doors down from Ramona Rodriguez, the one-year-old was allegedly killed.

The Columbia County Sheriff's Office says Charles Sconyers picked up his girlfriend's son, Lincoln, from daycare, brought him home and let him play in the yard.

Sconyers told investigators he heard a scream and found Lincoln face down and tried to help. Deputies say their investigation revealed something much different. Friday, Sconyers, an Augusta firefighter, was charged with murder.

"These are the people that are supposed to be defending you," Rodriguez said. "A firefighter."

Madelyn Gregoire watched the scene unfold.

"We saw a firetruck come down and two ambulances and so we came outside just to see what was going on," Gregoire said.

She re chaos, people yelling and running around frantic.

"There was multiple EMT guys," Gregoire said. "The firefighter guys, they were rushing around."

Then she re silence.

"I saw an EMT carry the baby into the ambulance and that was really sad," Gregoire said.

Now, she's praying for clarity for the family and friends of this little boy.

"My heart goes out to them," Gregoire said. "I can't imagine the pain and the heartbreak that they're going through and I'm really sending them love and prayers."

The father of the one-year-old says they are holding a memorial for Lincoln on May 19th at the Savannah Rapids Pavillion. A time has not yet been set.