A tragic case in Mississippi has led to the death of 17-year-old Caden Cantrelle, allegedly at the hands of his uncle, Victor “Jerry” Carver III. Carver, 37, has been charged with manslaughter after the young boy’s body was discovered on the side of a Mississippi road.
This incident occurred after Cantrelle was temporarily placed in his uncle’s care, a decision that many, including Cantrelle’s guardian, feel should never have been made, considering Carver’s “significant criminal history.”
The Tragic Discovery
According to authorities, Carver had requested permission from the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) to take care of his nephew for a short time. This request was granted, but the uncle was not authorized to take Cantrelle outside Tennessee.
However, when the visit ended, Cantrelle had not returned, prompting DCS to contact his father. Cantrelle’s father used a phone tracking device, which showed that his son’s phone last pinged in Mississippi, about 250 miles south of Tennessee.
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office in Mississippi was alerted to the situation and began searching for Cantrelle. Deputies discovered his body on County Road 39, near Vossburg, Mississippi, hidden by overgrown vines along a gully. Authorities immediately suspected foul play.
Carver’s Arrest and Claims
Once Cantrelle’s identity was confirmed, authorities reached out to Tennessee’s Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, which located Carver at his home. Deputies found Carver asleep inside his house, with his vehicle parked outside. According to reports, Carver had not contacted authorities regarding Cantrelle’s whereabouts.
Carver reportedly told investigators that he and Cantrelle had gone to Louisiana to visit family. On their way back to Tennessee, an argument broke out, but Carver denied harming his nephew, claiming he had simply left him on the side of the road.
Investigators, however, believe the evidence may tell a different story, and Carver could face additional charges as the investigation progresses.
Carver’s Criminal Past and DCS Oversight
Carver’s criminal history, which spans nearly two decades in Wayne County, Tennessee, raises concerns about how he was allowed to take care of his nephew in the first place. Stacie Odeneal, the attorney who had represented Cantrelle’s interests in previous court cases, expressed disbelief that Carver was granted custody.
She stated that if she had known about Carver’s criminal background, she would have opposed such a decision, stressing the failure of the system to protect the child.
Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services (DCS) has expressed deep sorrow over the death and is cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation. The department has placed the employees involved on leave while they review the case and reassess the policies related to such decisions.
This tragic situation highlights the devastating consequences of a flawed system and poor decision-making in the care of vulnerable children. With the investigation ongoing, many are left questioning how Carver was entrusted with his nephew’s care in the first place.
As the legal proceedings continue, there is hope that justice will be served for Caden Cantrelle and his grieving family.
