A couple in Arkansas has been accused of killing their 2-month-old son after the father initially blamed the boy’s fatal injuries on an accident that involved a car seat.
Gabrielle Elaine Ayers was taken into custody on Sunday, April 19, and was charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor in the death of Sebastian Ayers, according to jail records viewed by Us Weekly.
Ayers’ boyfriend, Timothy Mark Martin, is facing identical charges. However, he has not yet been taken into custody as authorities continue to search for him.
Officers and emergency medical personnel responded to a residence at 7:05 a.m. on January 3, 2025, after they received a report of an unresponsive infant, according to a probable cause affidavit from the Pine Bluff Police Department viewed by Law & Crime. Upon their arrival, paramedics found the boy was cold to the touch and began to attempt lifesaving measures.
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Martin told police he had just returned home and woke up Ayers, 28, before he found Sebastian unresponsive. He called 911 and a dispatcher talked him through performing CPR. “Blood expelled from Sebastian’s left nostril” as Martin gave him CPR, per the affidavit.
Sebastian was transported to Jefferson Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. After medical personnel reported that his body temperature was 88 degrees Fahrenheit, investigators requested that an autopsy be performed.
Authorities went on to learn that the infant had been visibly injured before his death. One witness shared a photograph that showed bruising on Sebastian’s face, as well as swelling that caused both of his eyes to stay shut.
It’s believed that the injuries were acquired during the week of Christmas 2024 while Sebastian was staying with Ayers and Martin at a relative’s home.
An autopsy determined that the infant suffered “craniocerebral trauma,” which included a skull fracture, a subdural hemorrhage and hemorrhaging in the neck and spinal column. The medical examiner determined that the injuries were not accidental and were “most consistent with inflicted traumatic injury.”
While speaking to investigators, Martin claimed that he may have unintentionally injured Sebastian a few days before Christmas. However, he said he didn’t get medical assistance for his son.
“During the interview, Mr. Martin admitted to accidentally striking Sebastian in the face while removing him from a car seat on December 21, 2024,” the affidavit stated. “He further admitted that he was intoxicated and frustrated at the time and that he deliberately refrained from seeking medical attention to avoid involvement from state authorities.”
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Meanwhile, Ayers said she knew the incident took place but didn’t get her son medical assistance.
Ayers is currently being held in custody at the Jefferson County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond.
It is not currently clear if she has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following her arrest. The Pine Bluff Police Department did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment regarding the case.
