A 55-year-old woman from Mobile, Alabama, Yolanda Denise Coale, has confessed to the manslaughter of her 4-year-old nephew, King Lyons. Initially, both Coale and the victim’s 9-year-old sister were implicated in the crime. However, the charges against the sister were later dismissed after it was established that she had no part in the tragic event. Coale’s admission of guilt has brought a sense of relief to the young girl, who was unjustly accused by her aunt.
During the preliminary hearing, Officer Lydia Simmons revealed unsettling details about the circumstances surrounding King Lyons’ death. The young boy was discovered lifeless, lying on his back with a pink towel draped over his face. He had visible signs of abuse, including bruises under his eyes and cuts on his nose and lips.
A 6-year-old relative provided a chilling account of the abuse, detailing several instances where Coale used objects like a belt, a back scratcher, and an electrical cord to hit and whip King. The child also spoke of a “lock-up room,” a confined space where Coale would send children who misbehaved.
Further evidence suggested that Coale’s mistreatment of her nephew extended beyond physical abuse. In one instance, she withheld water from him as a form of punishment for his toilet training mishaps. She even found amusement in watching him drink from a toilet bowl.
The heartbreaking death of King Lyons has sent shockwaves through the community, sparking conversations about child welfare and protection. This case underscores the urgent need for vigilance and intervention in suspected child abuse cases. The Mobile County District Attorney’s Office has expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the 6-year-old witness, whose testimony was instrumental in the investigation.