In a recent press release, Sheriff Joedy Pennington announced that five people have been charged after the Newton County Sheriff Department and Mississippi Bureau of Investigation began an investigation into an incident where a toddler was shot in the leg.
According to Pennington, on Oct. 3, 2025, his department was made aware by a local hospital of a local two-year-old that had received a gunshot wound to the leg. After launching the investigation, it was learned that the incident occurred on Sept. 16, 2025.
During the course of the investigation, the following persons have been charged.
Jaycob Boykin – child neglect, child abuse, and tampering with evidence. (Bond $50,000)
Sylvania Wiltcher – child neglect and hindering prosecution. (Bond $50,000)
Katelyn Carmichael – child neglect. (Bond $15,000)
Gregory Palmer – child neglect (Bond $15,000)
Robert Dearing II – child neglect (Bond $15,000)
The child is expected to make a full recovery.
All persons have had an initial appearance before a Justic Court Judge, and the investigation continues.
