UPDATE: Summerville Police make second arrest in death of 3-year-old

Summerville police said Friday evening that they made a second arrest in connection with the death of a 3-year-old.

Shanita Latrice Cunningham, 24, was arrested and charged with homicide by child abuse.

Her arrest comes after the arrest of Erica Mae Butts, 23, who was caring for the child.

Here is how Summerville police describe what happened:

“On 11/03/09 at approximately 7pm, the Summerville Police Department was notified of an unresponsive three year old at 207 Congaree River Drive in the Lakes of Summerville subdivision. When first responders and EMS arrived, they immediately transported the victim to The Summerville Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. The care giver at the residence identified as Erica Mae Butts (01/12/86) was arrested. With information received during the investigation and an autopsy being performed on the child, Butts is being charged with homicide by child abuse. The victim is not related to Erica Butts and resides out of state.  With information received during the case, a warrant for Homicide By Child Abuse was issued for Shanita Latrice Cunningham of 207 Congaree River Drive (11/19/1985). Cunningham has turned herself into police custody.“

*Story from 11/5/09*

The police report details disturbing injuries to a 3-year-old girl.  According to the report, around 7pm on Tuesday, November 3, 2009, someone (the person’s name was not released) made a call to 911 about a toddler lying unconscious in the kitchen of 207 Congaree River Road in Summerville.  Emergency workers tried to resuscitate the child who was not breathing when they arrived.  Charleston County EMS transported the girl to the Summerville Medical Center where the charge nurse and emergency room doctor pointed out injuries on the girl they deemed suspicious.  The doctor also pointed out that Rigor Mortis had set in and the doctor pronounced the girl dead at 8:05pm. 

The responding officers described cuts and bruises in just about every part of the child’s body.  Some appeared to be old injuries from the scabbing. 

According to the report, one EMT worker at the scene reported an unknown black female at the house told him that the three-year-old was sitting in a chair, fell backwards, and struck her head.

The Summerville Police arrested Erica Mae Butts, 23 and charged with homicide by child abuse.  Butts was taking care of the toddler at the time of her death.  Authorities say the girl’s mother is in Michigan and is now trying to raise money to return to South Carolina.  Police say Butts is not related to the child.  She is expected to face a judge in bond court Thursday afternoon.