Joe C. Watson IV was indicted Friday on two counts of murder, one count of felonious assault and four counts of child endangering. Levi’s mother, Michelle Mooty, was indicted on three felonies: permitting child abuse, complicity to commit felonious assault and endangering children.
Watson told Dayton detectives that Levi fell down a set of stairs Dec. 7 at 121 Shoop Ave., the home of Watson’s parents. He said the child did not appear to be injured and was put to bed that night. Watson said when he woke up the next morning, he discovered the toddler in distress and rushed him to the hospital.
Sgt. Dan Mauch of the homicide unit said Watson’s story did not match the coroner’s findings. Detectives said Levi appeared to have been systematically beaten and abused.
Watson has been in the county jail since his Dec. 8 arrest. Mooty, 22, has been free since posting $25,000 bail Dec. 12.
On Nov. 28, a Children Services Bureau caseworker visited Levi’s family. Children Services had opened a case with the family Nov. 18 on a referral, said Ann Stevens of Montgomery County Jobs & Family Services. Details of the referral and home visits are not public under state law.
Mooty does not live at the Shoop address, and detectives believe she and Watson have a shared parenting agreement even though Levi is not Watson’s biological son. The couple have a 6-month-old daughter.
Mooty’s other three children, who range in age from the 6-month-old girl to 6 years, are with relatives, Stevens said.
According to police and court records, Watson has several arrests on charges of domestic violence that were dropped when the accusers did not show up for hearings.
Mooty called police to the Shoop address Oct. 18 to complain that Watson had slapped her in front of her children. She told police he had “anger problems,” according to the police report.
About the Author