Search Warrant Served In Child Death

Tulsa child crisis detectives served a search warrant at the home of the little boy, who police say died in his father's care.

Wednesday, July 2nd 2008, 10:08 pm

By: News On 6

The search for clues is on in the sudden death of a 4-year-old Tulsa boy. Tulsa child crisis detectives served a search warrant at the home of the little boy, who police say died in his father's care. The News On 6's Ashli Sims reports the 25-year-old Tulsa man is in jail, accused of child neglect.

It is still unknown as to how 4-year-old Keyshawn Markham died. The medical examiner's office is expected to release that in a couple of days.

Child crisis detectives filed into little Keyshawn Markham's apartment on Wednesday to search for answers. They're trying to figure out how an otherwise healthy 4-year-old boy was found dead.

"It really is a sad event that happened today. You have a four year old who had their whole life ahead of them. And then something tragic like this happens," said TPD Captain Karen Tipler.

Police say Terry Green was the only adult home with Keyshawn when he died. He was arrested accused of child neglect, because police believe he waited too long to call for help.

Little Keyshawn marks the third child homicide in this area, where a parental figure is accused of abuse or neglect.

Back in March, police found 2-year-old Skylar Roininen unresponsive at his Jenks home. An autopsy later revealed he died from a traumatic brain injury that left an eight-inch crack in his skull. His father's live-in girlfriend Ashley Parnell is charged with murder. She was recently ordered to stand trial for the crime.

A month later, another 4-year-old, Christopher Barnard was killed. His stepfather, Steve Lockler Jr., claimed he fell in the bathtub. He's also in jail on first degree murder charges. Christopher's mother is also behind bars, accused of permitting child abuse.

It's still not clear what took Keyshawn's life. A police affidavit says Green told them the boy was alive, when he called 911. But it also says paramedics found him cold and stiff to the touch.

The affidavit goes on to say an investigator from the medical examiner's office believes the 4-year-old had been dead much longer than Green reported.

The medical examiner's office is still conducting their investigation. So no funeral arrangements have been made.

07/01/2008 - Father Arrested In Child's Death