Caretaker, sex offender charged in 4-year-old's death

Winston-Salem, N.C. — The caretaker of a 4-year-old boy and her fiancee, who is a convicted sex offender, were charged Sunday in the boy's death, according to the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies said that EMS brought the boy to emergency room at North Carolina Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem around midnight Saturday. He was accompanied by his caretaker, DebraLee Ann Matthews, 22, and her fiancee, James Columbus Morrison Jr., 36, both of 230 FieldCreek Court.

The boy had life-threatening injuries, and hospital staff called the sheriff's office to investigate. The boy died of his injuries later Sunday, deputies said.

Investigators charged Morrison with murder and Matthews with felony accessory after the fact of murder. They were placed in the Forsyth County Detention Center without bond. A court hearing was set for Nov. 11.

Authorities haven't released the boy's name or disclosed the nature of his injuries. The investigation into his death continues.

According to the state Department of Correction records, Morrison was convicted in 1999 of three counts of second-degree sexual offense with a child and two counts of second-degree rape. He spent 4½ years in prison and finished his parole in June.

Matthews does not have a prior criminal record in North Carolina, according to DOC records.

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BEWARE!! CHILD MOLESTERS ARE STILL LURKING IN OUR SCHOOLS AND DAYCARE. THEY JUST HAVE NOT BEEN REPORTED OR DISCOVERED. SO DON'T THINK THAT YOUR CHILD IS IN A SAFE PLACE IF YOU HAVE NOT CHECKED THE PEOPLE (ALL OF THEM) OUT.

Professor
October 19, 2009 5:28 p.m.

The prison population wouldn't cost us taxpayers so much money if they had bread and water instead of three squares. Air-conditioning isn't really necessary, but they can have a little heat in January and February. Take away the t.v. sets and only give them access to the library. angora2

The state will not allow that. You have food and pleasure, why not the prisoners. Oh, and you are pay for it with your tax dollar. Wow. I bet you did not know that. lol lol lol Angry - get over it.

Professor
October 19, 2009 5:19 p.m.

Parents always make a complete check of the person who may be keeping your child, regardless if its family, friend or foe. You are doing this in the welfare and safety of your child. If you have not checked out your childs keeper, do so now. This can happen to your child. CHECK THE PARTIES OUT TODAY.

Professor
October 19, 2009 5:14 p.m.

Nothing made of bad intent will ever come to pass,

Professor
October 19, 2009 5:08 p.m.

MANY DAYCARES ARE OVER CHARGING AND PARENTS CANNOT AFFORD THEIR RATES. SO THEY RELY ON NEIGHBORS FOR A REASONABLE FEE. NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT. A PARENT HAS TO DO WHAT THEY CAN AFFORD. DON'T YOU?

Professor
October 19, 2009 5:07 p.m.