A tragic Raeford child death investigation is ongoing after a four-year-old girl was found dead Friday morning inside a home on Chantily Lane in Hoke County.
According to the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews responded to the home just before 8 a.m. after a 911 caller reported the child was unresponsive. Despite life-saving efforts by EMS personnel, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators later confirmed the child was a little girl. Authorities say the investigation remains active while officials wait for autopsy and toxicology results to determine the cause of death.
Multiple Charges Filed During Raeford Child Death Investigation
While no charges directly related to the girl’s death have been filed, deputies arrested 32-year-old Ryheem McLaughlin Winston, identified as the boyfriend of the child’s mother.
Winston faces several felony charges including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, maintaining a dwelling for drug activity, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting a public officer.
Investigators said Winston allegedly refused repeated requests to leave the scene during the ongoing death investigation.
Court records show Winston also has pending criminal cases in both Hoke County and Moore County. Officials say his release from jail is currently not authorized due to the firearm charges connected to prior felony convictions.
Autopsy Results Expected To Guide Investigation
The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and Narcotic/Vice Suppression Unit continue working the case.
Authorities have not released additional details surrounding what may have led to the child’s death. Officials say answers may not become clearer until medical examiners complete the autopsy and toxicology review.
The case has drawn significant attention across the Sandhills region, including nearby Southern Pines, Aberdeen, and Moore County communities.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Hoke County Sheriff’s Office.
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