Cinceir Croxton, 25, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the death of his 2-year-old son, Cinceir “CJ” Croxton Jr., whose tragic death was linked to cocaine and neglect.
Croxton pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, child abuse, and drug charges after his son was found to have cocaine in his system, along with signs of neglect and unsafe living conditions.
The Incident
CJ died on December 7, 2023, after spending time in a Pack ‘n Play with snakes at an Econo Lodge in Spotsylvania, Virginia. The family had been staying at the motel in an effort to avoid authorities investigating the treatment of their child.
After finding CJ unconscious, Croxton called 911, and the boy was rushed to the hospital, where he was later declared dead.
Discovery of Cocaine and Neglect
Upon investigation, doctors found that CJ tested positive for cocaine. Detectives from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the hotel room and discovered 70 grams of cocaine, $4,000 in cash, and a gun hidden in a clothes hamper. A PlayStation and an unlocked safe also contained cocaine.
Additionally, the investigators found a Pack ‘n Play in the room, where a reptile cage containing snakes was kept, and CJ had tested positive for salmonella, which can be transmitted by reptiles.
Despite medical staff attempting to treat CJ for the salmonella infection, Croxton and his girlfriend, Kahleighya Coleman, refused treatment. CJ also suffered from sickle cell disease, for which he had not received necessary medical care for months.
Child Protective Services Involvement
The Spotsylvania County Child Protective Services (CPS) had been investigating Croxton and Coleman for several months. CPS had received a complaint about Croxton leaving CJ alone in his car seat with loud music playing to calm him down when he was fussy.
However, Croxton’s efforts to move the family made it difficult for CPS to continue the investigation, and the case was eventually marked as incomplete.
Mother’s Sentence
CJ’s mother, Kahleighya Coleman, also pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and child abuse. She was sentenced to 15 years in prison last month for her role in the neglect and death of her son.
Judge’s Remarks
At Croxton’s sentencing, Judge William Glover remarked that CJ’s living conditions and Croxton’s repeated choices ultimately led to his death. He told Croxton, “None of these actions were an accident.
It was a series of choices you made.” Croxton, however, claimed at sentencing that he loved his son “dearly.”
