Two jailed after 'suspicious' death of 4-year-old Reynoldsburg boy is ruled a homicide

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A man and a woman, both 19, are facing charges in the death of a 4-year-old Reynoldsburg boy.

According to the Reynoldsburg police, officers responded last week to Nationwide Children’s Hospital on a report of a deceased 4-year-old, who was later identified by Franklin County Children Services as Ja'Kai Smith. An investigation was started because of “suspicious circumstances related to the death,” which was then ruled a homicide.

An arrest warrant was issued for Linwood Allison Jr. and Kailee Smith-Parks, both 19. Allison is charged with aggravated murder, and Smith-Parks is facing a charge of endangering children, a third-degree felony. Franklin County court documents indicated that Smith-Parks was the child's mother.

According to court records, Allison was allegedly seen on camera causing fatal injuries to Ja'Kai at a residence on Steinway Drive, while police said Smith-Parks had reason to believe the child needed immediate medical attention, but she failed to do so.

On Thursday, both turned themselves in to Reynoldsburg police and they were taken to the Franklin County Jail. Police have not yet released additional details.

Franklin County Children Services issued a statement, which read in part that in March a concern was raised with the family about neglect and caseworkers were working with the family to investigate and understand the concerns. The case, which did not include concerns of physical abuse, was still open at the time of Ja'Kai's death.

The statement also said that Smith-Parks was previously in the care of FCCS prior to her 18th birthday and that Allison Jr. is believed to be Smith-Park's boyfriend.

Allison Jr. was issued a $1.5 million bond in Franklin County Municipal Court, while Smith-Parks received a $500,000 bond Friday morning. They are each scheduled to appear in court again on April 25 for a preliminary hearing.