The mother of a 13-year-old South Carolina boy who was well-known for his “resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to making a difference in the world” is said to have done nothing to stop his stepfather from beating him to death with a piece of wood and the butt of a revolver.
Ivy Contrell Jenerette, 40, is accused of repeatedly hitting his stepson, Isaiah Gaymes, in the head on May 8 at their Horry County, near Myrtle Beach, home using a piece of wood and a firearm, according to an arrest request.
The warrant stated that Isaiah’s mother, 34-year-old Samantha Ann Gaymes, permitted the abuse to occur.
Authorities allegedly discovered the rifle and bloodied piece of wood, and Isaiah’s wounds were consistent with being struck by both objects.
The youngster sustained “multiple blunt force injuries to the side and back of the head, along with several other injuries,” according to Myrtle Beach NBC station WMBF, which cited a warrant.
Other injuries included “broken bones, burns, and permanent disfigurement to the face and body.” The incident’s motive has not been disclosed by the police.
According to authorities, Isaiah passed away on May 11 after fighting for his life at a hospital. According to the coroner, blunt force trauma was the cause of death.
Gaymes is charged with criminal conduct toward a kid, while Jenerette is charged with murder and child abuse. Without bond, both are being held at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center.
The people in the town have come together to ensure that Isaiah’s death was not in vain. Isaiah’s former teachers at Riverside Elementary School, Felecia Bellamy and Angela Gore, established a scholarship in his honor.
The Remembering Isaiah Scholarship Fund would assist victims of domestic violence and assist victims of child abuse in paying for higher education.
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“This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to students who exemplify the qualities that Isaiah embodied: resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to making a difference in the world. By investing in their education, we hope to empower these students to break the cycle of abuse and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities,” Bellamy stated in a Facebook post.
Isaiah was a “beautiful soul with a heart full of joy,” according to his obituary.
“Isaiah had an incredible gift for drawing, using colors and lines to create masterpieces that captivated his imagination. He possessed an innate ability to bring images to life on paper, expressing his thoughts, emotions, and dreams through his artistic creations,” the tribute stated.
“Though Isaiah’s time on earth was tragically short, he left an indelible mark on the hearts and lives of all who knew him. He taught us the importance of cherishing every moment and embracing the beauty of life. His radiant smile and infectious laughter will forever be etched in our memories,” the obit continued.
