Davenport, Fla.-(Newsradio 970 WFLA)-Polk County deputies have charged a mom and her live-in boyfriend with the death of the woman's two year-old son at the couple's home here.
Deputies identify the mother as 26 year-old Shannon Short. The boyfriend is 26 year-old Christian Thompson. The victim is identified as two year-old Harley Don Hiatt, Junior.
Investigators say Short left her son with Thompson while she was at work. They say Thompson beat and tortured the boy for months while mom was away. Deputies say mom was aware of the abuse.
Thompson is charged with 1st degree murder, aggravated manslaughter of a child, aggravated child abuse, negligent child abuse with great bodily harm and possession of marijuana.
Short is charged with aggravated manslaughter, negligent child abuse with great bodily harm, child abuse, failure to report child abuse and possession of marijuana.
Photos courtesy Polk County Sheriff's Office