Dalton Young, a student at Nichols Sawmill Elementary (NSE), died April 26 after emergency crews were called to the family’s home on Sawmill Road after he was discovered not breathing, Lt. Dan Norris with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) confirmed.

The investigation was instigated after Fox 26 news contacted CPS for a news story that quoted a former teacher of Dalton’s who said she called CPS at least twice in 2004 after seeing bruises and marks on Young.

The news report stated that “the state decided to launch the review on Wednesday following our phone calls.”

Gwen Carter, a spokesperson for CPS, said Young “had birth defects, was a special needs child and had a series of other complex medical conditions and mental illnesses.”

There have been eight investigations into the family by CPS since 2004 and there are two open cases currently, Carter said. The other children in the family, including Young’s twin brother, who has the same medical condition as Young did, were taken into custody by CPS after the child’s death.

Carter said each time CPS receives a report, one is made to local law enforcement.

“They conduct their own investigation,” she said in an e-mail.

Norris said the case is still under investigation and the MCSO is awaiting the autopsy for toxicology reports.

Magnolia ISD sent a letter home with NSE students the day after Young’s death.

“We spoke to all of the students today, and many adults have been available to help support them through this difficult time. We have assembled a team of counselors from the District to be at our school today and tomorrow to be available for your child if he/she needs to talk further with someone,” the letter stated. “If your child shares information with you regarding this tragedy, please take time to talk with your child. It is important for our children to have their feelings acknowledged and to help them understand that it is okay to feel sad or to cry.”

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