Autopsy Reveals Cocaine in Toddler Who Died While in Pack ’n Play With Snakes | Crime Alert 8AM 03.25.26

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I'm Nicole Parton, a man from Virginia has been sentenced to 20 years in prison following

the tragic death of his two-year-old son who was found unresponsive after being left

in a pack-and-play with snakes.

When the toddler died, he had cocaine in his system.

After Croxton, 25, faced the court on Monday, where he pled guilty, last fall, the charges

of second-degree murder, child abuse, and drug-related offenses in connection with the death

of his son, CJ Croxton Jr.

As reported by local ABC affiliate WRIC, CJ passed away in December, several months

later authorities arrested both Croxton and the boy's mother.

The family had been staying at an econo lodge in Spotsylvania to avoid scrutiny from social

services regarding their parenting style.

Croxton called 911 after discovering that CJ was unresponsive despite being rushed to

the hospital.

CJ died from his condition, medical personnel alerted the police when they discovered

cocaine in the toddler's system.

Upon investigation, detectives from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office uncovered cocaine

on a gaming console and in an unsecured safe as well as a firearm hidden in clothing

and a hamper inside the hotel room.

In total law enforcement seized about 70 grams of cocaine, $4,000 in cash, and other

drug paraphernalia.

Additionally, a pack-and-play was found containing a reptile enclosure with snakes in it, which

may have contributed to CJ testing positive for salmonella.

Reports indicate that Croxton and Coleman declined necessary medical treatment for the

salmonella infection.

CJ also suffered from sickle cell disease requiring bimuthly treatment that he did not receive

because his parents refused to take him.

Child Protective Services launched an investigation when CJ was just six months old after receiving

reports that Croxton would leave him unattended in his car seat with loud music to drown out

the baby crying.

However, after relocating, Croxton made it difficult for CPS to continue their investigation,

leading them to classify the case as, quote, incomplete.

Coleman recently pleaded guilty to similar charges and received a 15-year prison sentence

during the sentencing Croxton stated that he loved his son dearly, but Judge William

Glover emphasized that the conditions in which CJ lived were ultimately fatal, none of these

actions were accidents, said the judge, highlighting the serious choices made by the parents.

First of all, the judge said, you leave your baby in a pack-and-play with snakes, and

then you expose him to cocaine.

You also refused medical treatments that he needed to survive.

More crime and justice news after this.

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A 45-year-old woman from Florida has been accused of attempting to murder her 83-year-old

stepfather using quote, very dull kitchen knives.

Jennifer Gill allegedly confessed to law enforcement that she wished the blades had been sharper

to ensure that she could have killed him.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office has charged her with second degree attempted murder

following the incident.

Authorities responded to a report of a stabbing around 9 a.m. on Saturday at 9-1-1 caller

indicated that the victim had identified Gill as the assailant.

The victim's wife, who is also Gill's mother, quickly took him to the hospital.

He sustained multiple stab wounds, including seven lacerations on the back of the head,

three on his hand, and many on his left shoulder.

According to police reports, the victim's wife was awakened by his screams and found

him covered in blood.

She then spotted Gill outside, washing down the victim's cane.

While she was unsure of the reasons behind her daughter's attack, she mentioned that

Gill had expressed a deep-seated hate for the victim, though the reasons for the animosity

remain unclear.

Deputies located Gill nearby and took her into custody during questioning.

She made several comments about the victim allegedly causing, quote, a lot of pain to

people, but she felt to provide specific instances.

Gill claimed that there had been years of build-up leading her to her actions.

Maybe I just acted on things she told police.

Gill explained that the victim was trying to address their issues and kept pursuing her,

which she claimed led to her feeling compelled to kill him.

When asked about her intentions, she shockingly replied, yes, I wanted to kill him.

She admitted to previously telling the victim, I should kill you already.

The alleged attack involved Gill spraying soapy water in the victim's eyes to disorient

him before she began striking him with a knife, which she noted was, quote, a very dull,

not dull enough to kill him.

When the victim attempted to rise from his chair, she reportedly pushed him back down.

I know it's not nice to say from doing it, I wish to God they would have been sharp as

she told police after multiple stabbing.

She allegedly resorted to hitting him with his cane.

Other family members have disputed Gill's assertions of abuse, describing the victim as

a gentle quiet man.

As of now, the victim is in stable condition at the hospital.

Gill remains in custody at the Marion County jail without bond.

She is set to appear in court on April 21.

For the latest crime and justice news, follow Crime Alert Hourly Update on your favorite

podcasting app with this crime alert, I'm Nicole Parton.

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Hi listeners, I'm Andre Gunning, host of Betrayal.

Season 5 follows one woman as she uncovers her husband's secret life.

The one he led when the lights went out.

I'm excited to share the Betrayal Season 5 story with you,

and want to let you know that you can get access to all episodes of

season one, season two, season three, and season four of Betrayal,

and every single episode of Betrayal season five,

a hundred percent ad free with an iHeartTrueCrimePlus subscription,

available exclusively on Apple Podcasts.

Plus, you'll get access to all episodes of Betrayal season five one week ahead of

everyone else, available only to iHeartTrueCrimePlus subscribers.

So don't wait.

Head to Apple Podcasts, search for iHeartTrueCrimePlus and subscribe today.

My Heart Podcast, Guaranteed Human.