A 23-year-old man from Ohio is currently in custody after allegedly subjecting a 12-year-old boy to ice baths as a form of punishment, which reportedly led to the boy’s death. The accused, Anthony J. McCants, is facing charges of child endangerment in connection with the death of Jadako Taylor, according to court documents.
The Akron Police Department and the Summit County Medical Examiner were alerted to the incident via a 911 call received around 2:30 p.m. on a Saturday. The call came from a residence located on South Balch Street. The caller, who identified himself as the boy’s older brother, reported that the boy had injured his head.
Upon arrival, first responders found Jadako unconscious and not breathing. He was immediately transported to a children’s hospital, but was pronounced dead just over an hour later. McCants was arrested the same day after authorities suspected foul play.
Court documents reveal that McCants allegedly forced Jadako to sit in two ice baths, each lasting for about 45 minutes. In between these chilling punishments, the boy was reportedly made to perform strenuous exercises, including pushups. At some point during this ordeal, Jadako began to vomit and have seizures.
An autopsy was conducted on Monday to determine the exact cause and manner of Jadako’s death. According to the Mayo Clinic, hypothermia sets in when the body temperature falls below 95 degrees. Jadako’s body temperature was recorded at a dangerously low 74 degrees. Normal body temperature is approximately 98.6 degrees.
Hypothermia can cause vital organs such as the heart and the nervous system to malfunction, and if left untreated, can lead to respiratory failure and death. McCants, who was known to Jadako’s family and was responsible for his care at the time of the incident, is currently being held at the Summit County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
The case is now in the hands of prosecutors who can present it to a grand jury to decide whether it will proceed. McCants is scheduled for a status hearing on May 16.