Local Mother Charged After Toddler Son Found Unresponsive in Pool

A two-year-old Richmond County toddler was found unresponsive in a family friend's swimming pool on Sunday, after family and friends noticed he was missing.

Authorities say 2-year-old Justus Hyman of Augusta managed to walk out of the home in the 3400 block of Merrimac Avenue without anyone noticing.  When it was noticed he was missing, Hyman's body was found a short time later in the pool.  He was taken to Augusta University Medical Center where he died late Monday afternoon.  An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

Richmond County authorities have charged the boy's mother, 36-year-old Domonique Murray, with second-degree child cruelty.  Her family says it was a terrible accident, adding that a criminal charge should never have been field.