Three individuals have been charged with murder and child endangerment following the death of a 7-year-old boy whose body was discovered bound with duct tape inside a closet in a Cincinnati apartment. Authorities identified the child as William Michael Evans-Ellis, who was found unresponsive on August 6 at a residence in Cincinnati’s Oakley neighborhood. The incident has been described by investigators as a case of prolonged and severe child abuse.
"The pain of losing such a sweet, beautiful, innocent child is beyond description. We will love and miss him forever." — William’s Family, Statement
Kaitlin Evans, 38, identified as the boy's mother, along with Kirby Rankin, 33, and Nessa Keaney, 23, have each been formally charged in connection with William’s death. All three defendants have entered pleas of not guilty and are currently being held on $1.1 million bond each. According to authorities, William resided at the apartment with the three charged individuals, who were reportedly co-parenting the child.
During court proceedings, a seasoned Cincinnati homicide detective testified that the case represents one of the most disturbing instances of child abuse he has encountered throughout his more than two decades in law enforcement. Investigators have presented allegations that William sustained extensive injuries consistent with repeated physical abuse. Testimony indicated that the boy suffered beatings and blunt-force trauma across multiple areas of his body, including his face, torso, back, and extremities. Furthermore, authorities suspect William may have been choked, subjected to abuse involving water, possibly held underwater for an extended period, and suffered burns during the alleged abuse.
Police discovered William’s body inside a closet after responding to the apartment on August 6. The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office subsequently ruled his death a homicide. Court documents indicate that Rankin allegedly disclosed involvement in what authorities have characterized as a prolonged child-abuse incident and implicated Evans and Keaney as active participants. An attorney representing Keaney has stated that Keaney attempted to provide medical treatment to William after he was injured by another person within the home. These allegations have not yet been proven in court.
William’s grandparents, Mike and Tina Evans, expressed profound grief and concern, stating that their grandson had conveyed a desire not to return home several weeks prior to his death. They recounted noticing an injury on the boy and growing increasingly worried after they were no longer permitted to see him. In response to their mounting concerns, the grandparents sought legal counsel and engaged a private investigator. Mike Evans stated that he traveled to the residence on August 6 with the intention of observing the property but arrived to find police vehicles already present. He was then informed by authorities that his grandson had died. "The pain of losing such a sweet, beautiful, innocent child is beyond description," William’s family released in a statement following his death. "We will love and miss him forever."
The ongoing criminal case primarily focuses on the allegations that William was subjected to severe and prolonged physical abuse leading to his death. Investigators continue to examine evidence, conduct interviews, and review findings related to William’s passing. Authorities have indicated that additional charges could be filed as the investigation progresses. Rankin has also been ordered to undergo a competency evaluation at the request of her attorney.
Separate reports concerning the household have highlighted social media posts describing the adults' polyamorous relationships and their views on gender identity. However, prosecutors have not established these claims as a motive for William’s death or as a direct cause of the alleged abuse. The criminal investigation remains centered on the allegations of physical abuse.
