Mother of dead child charged with abuse in Roxboro
ROXBORO, N.C. (WTVD) -- The mother of a 2-year-old boy who died Sunday is accused of extreme child abuse.
Ellen Brittany Green-Allen, 23, is charged with intentional child abuse causing serious physical injury.
Investigators say the case began July 30 when Person County deputies went to a call about a child in cardiac arrest.
"It did not sound right from the beginning. They actually took the child from the residence and met at a convenience store instead of waiting at the residence for the ambulance to arrive," said Person County Sheriff Dewey Jones.
The toddler - Donte Joseph Diven - was taken to the hospital but never regained consciousness and died August 3.
"At this time, we do not have cause of death. We're still waiting for the medical examiner and also toxicology. There were no physical signs of trauma," said Sheriff Jones.
But investigators say there was evidence the child was burned with a cigarette at least three times. Prosecutors say they expect to file more charges when the results of the autopsy come back.
"We're understanding that she had two previous kids that were taken away from her by social services. We have been working with social services. They've been involved. We're trying to find the details of all of that," said Sheriff Jones.
Green-Allen went before a judge in Roxboro Friday. Bond was set at $500,000.
