GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A mother allegedly killed her 5-year-old son by stabbing him and setting their home on fire with the boy still inside, according to warrants for her charges in Gwinnett County.
The Gwinnett County Police Department on Tuesday announced the arrest of 23-year-old A'zaria Shante Burton in the death last week of her 5-year-old son Jayveon Pruitt.
Burton's charges include malice murder, felony murder, first degree arson, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence, possession of a knife during the commission of certain crimes and first degree cruelty to children.
According to warrants obtained by 11Aliive, her murder charges allege that she "unlawfully and with malice aforethought caused the death of (Jayveon), a human being, by stabbing the victim and lighting the apartment on fire with the victim inside."
Burton was booked into jail last Friday, police said. She is being held without bond.
Back on October 19, Gwinnett County Police and fire crews responded to what originally came in as an apartment fire at 3500 The Vine Apartments. When firefighters managed to enter the unit that was on fire, they found Pruitt "unresponsive" and with multiple stab wounds.
He was taken to the hospital where he later died.
Police later said they "found a woman behind the building" and that "her clothing was wet, and she was wearing only one sock." That woman was taken into custody, though police did not say Tuesday if that was in fact Burton.
Editor's note: Police originally reported the child was 6 years old. On Oct. 24, Jayveon Pruitt's father said he was 5 years old. Our stories have been changed to reflect his correct age.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
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