Murdering social worker won't disprove child neglect

Couple charged in beating death of social worker
Jim Suhr, Columbus Dispatch, Oct. 21, 2006.

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. -- Murder warrants were issued yesterday in Kentucky for a couple accused of kidnapping the woman's 9-month-old son from a social worker who was later found dead, authorities said.

Renee Terrell and her boyfriend, Christopher Wayne Luttrell, were charged yesterday with fleeing Kentucky to avoid prosecution, which is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.

Terrell, 33, and Luttrell, 23, are suspects in the death of social worker Boni Frederick, 67, said police Sgt. John Nevels, of Henderson, Ky.

They will be formally charged with murder after being returned to Kentucky, Nevels said.

They likely will be moved to Kentucky next week, said Ron Adams, a police detective in Henderson. They are accused of kidnapping Terrell's son, Saige, on Monday from Frederick, who had taken the boy to Terrell's home in Henderson for a visit.

The baby had been removed from Terrell's custody when he was 13 days old because of neglect, police said. Frederick was found beaten to death at the house later that day, and the baby, his mother and Frederick's station wagon were gone, authorities said.

FBI agents arrested the couple on Thursday near Godfrey, about 30 miles north of St. Louis. Nevels said they were caught hiding in a camper after their car apparently broke down.

A doctor said the infant was in good health. He is being cared for by Illinois social workers until he can be returned to Kentucky, authorities said.