North Carolina boy, 2, dies after being 'abandoned' for hours in dangerously hot room with space heater

A North Carolina dad was arrested more than a year after his 2-year-old son was found dead in their home.

Aaron Lynwood Carter, 27, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and felony child abuse on Jan. 7 following an investigation into his son River’s 2023 death. Carter allegedly left his toddler son alone for over 12 hours in a room that became overheated and pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders, the Moore County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.

Police said on Dec. 2, 2023 they responded to a distress call concerning an “unresponsive” child at an address in West End. Police did not provide details about what ensued but said the young boy was dead upon their arrival, Law&Crime reported.

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Now more than a year later police say Carter left River “isolated” for 12 hours in a room where he was exposed to elevated temperatures from a space heater. An investigation the boy's death, and findings from the medical examiner’s led to his Carter's arrest.

The 27-year-old faces two felony charges — involuntary manslaughter and child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury. A cause of death for the little boy was not provided.

According to an obituary, River is survived by a sister and “enjoyed making people smile and giving hugs.”

"River loved life and all people," the obituary read. "River loved anything outside and active, animals, trucks, cars, his family, music and dancing."

"He had so much character for a 2-year-old. Truly the most genuine and kind soul," it added. Carter was booked into the Moore County Detention Center and held on $500,000 bond. His next court date is scheduled for Thursday.