Arizona Father Faces Manslaughter and Child Abuse Charges After Son Dies in Hot Car
A father in Arizona made his first court appearance on Tuesday, April 21st, after being arrested and charged with manslaughter and child abuse when his 2-year-old son died from staying in a hot car for hours.
James Koryor, 41, appeared in court for a hearing on the manslaughter and child abuse charges. His bail was set for $50,000. Although he was already unable to meet that bail, prosecutors argued for a higher amount because Koryor has ties to Liberia, the Ivory Coast, and Ghana, making him a flight risk.
According to court documents, Koryor drove to a liquor store in Phoenix with both his 5 and 2 year old sons in the car. He bought a bottle of gin at the store, drank it while driving home, and fell asleep inside the house. Reportedly, his 5 year old got out of the car and made it inside safely, but the 2 year old was unable to escape.
Detectives said that they found signs that the 2 year old struggled to escape the hot car.
When asked where his little brother was by family members, the 5 year old son reported that the child was asleep.
“I think the assumption on their part was that he was probably in the house and he had gone to take a nap,” Sgt. Trent Crump said.
The boy’s mother found him still inside the hot car a couple of hours later. The boy was rushed to the hospital and died there.
At the hearing, the judge also informed Koryor that, should he post bail, he will not be allowed to consume any alcohol prior to and during the criminal trial for the manslaughter and child abuse charges.
“That means you cannot have any alcohol inside any residence that you stay,” the judge said. “None. It has to be immediately removed. All of this is to ensure the safety of your family and of the community, and frankly I’d like to ensure that you are protected from yourself.”
Defending Criminal Charges in South Carolina
Child abuse is a subset of domestic abuse in South Carolina. Domestic violence charges can include includes claims of harmful acts inflicted by one member of a household on another, including but not limited to:
- Physical abuse (including pushing or shaking)
- Threats
- Coerced or forced sexual contact
- Verbal abuse
- Public humiliation
The Strom Law Firm Defends Charges for Violent Crimes in South Carolina
If you face criminal charges for serious crimes like homicide or manslaughter, domestic abuse including child abuse, rape, or assault and battery, you do not have to suffer in silence. The South Carolina criminal charges defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your charges and how we can help. Contact us today. 803.252.4800
