Burton Man Charged with Homicide by Child Abuse

Burton, October 22, 2025

News Summary

Demetrius Roshad Moultrie, a 35-year-old resident of Burton, has been charged with homicide by child abuse following the tragic death of his 3-year-old son. The incident resulted in a suspicious death investigation by authorities after the child was transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital. As forensic analyses were conducted, Moultrie’s arrest was made, raising questions about South Carolina’s current child abuse laws. Public discussions about the need for legislative amendments to protect younger victims are underway, while Moultrie remains in custody.

Burton, South Carolina – Demetrius Roshad Moultrie, a 35-year-old man from Burton, has been charged with homicide by child abuse in connection with the death of his 3-year-old son. The charge was filed around noon on a Monday following an incident that occurred on the night of July 17, when the child was pronounced dead.

Authorities received a call just before 10 p.m. regarding an “unresponsive” child being transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office subsequently labeled the child’s death as “suspicious.” The tragic incident took place at Moultrie’s home on Kato Lane, which is situated near the Laurel Bay military housing complex.

Details surrounding the cause of the child’s death and the specific elements of the alleged child abuse remain unclear at this time. Moultrie’s arrest warrant was granted after forensic analysis tied to the case was completed, indicating a serious investigation into the circumstances of the child’s death.

South Carolina law stipulates that homicide by child abuse involves causing or abetting the death of a child under the age of 11 while committing child abuse or neglect. To secure a conviction under this charge, prosecutors must prove that the suspect exhibited an “extreme indifference to human life.” The potential punishment for a conviction can lead to a prison sentence ranging from 20 years to life. Moreover, this charge only applies to victims who are younger than 11 years old, prompting some officials to question whether the law should be revised.

14th Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone has highlighted the need for legislative amendments to extend this statute to include all victims under the age of 18. Public scrutiny surrounding the limitations of the current law has led to conversations about potential reform.

Moultrie has a prior criminal history, having served 18 months of probation for a felony firearms charge in 2013. His record also indicates several unadjudicated drug charges pertaining to possession and large-scale trafficking.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Moultrie remains in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center.

Key Points of the Case

• Charge: Homicide by child abuse.
• Accused: Demetrius Roshad Moultrie, 35, Burton, SC.
• Victim: Moultrie’s 3-year-old son.
• Date of Incident: Night of July 17.
• Status: Moultrie in custody at Beaufort County Detention Center.
• Legislation: Discussion for amendments to include victims under 18 in child abuse laws.

Understanding Homicide by Child Abuse

The term “homicide by child abuse” is defined under South Carolina law and reflects serious acts resulting in the death of a child due to neglect or abuse. Authorities and lawmakers are actively discussing potential changes to ensure better protection for minors.

Background Context

Child abuse laws are designed to safeguard the welfare of minors. Despite existing regulations, instances of abuse continue to surface, highlighting the need for stringent measures and comprehensive legal definitions to encompass all young victims. The unfortunate passing of Moultrie’s son has ignited conversations about the effectiveness of current legislation.

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Child Homicide Case
• Wikipedia: Homicide by Child Abuse
• Live 5 News: Child Exploitation Charges
• Google Search: Child Abuse Laws South Carolina
• WJCL: Child Shooting Arrests
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
• WITN: Beaufort County Man Charged
• Google News: Beaufort County Crime
• Bluffton Today: Major Convictions Announced
• Google Scholar: Child Homicide Cases
• Post and Courier: Child Sexual Abuse in Hardeeville
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Homicide

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.