Mom tells police she beat boy for hours

The mother of a 12-year-old boy found dead in Greensburg was charged with murder Monday morning, as details emerged on what happened leading up to his death.

Tasha Parsons, 29, is facing murder charges related to the boy’s death and Waldo L. Jones, 30, is facing a Class A felony charge of neglect of a dependant causing death.

Parsons told police in an interview Friday that the boy, Devin Parsons, stole prescription pain relievers from her and would not tell her where the pills were, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in court. She told police she beat Devin with her hands and feet and other objects, including a belt and metal tray.

The beating of the 12-year-old boy went on for hours, the mom told police, until Devin lost consciousness in the middle of the morning Friday, according to the probable cause affidavit. Police were called to the house at 3:25 p.m. Friday. In a later interview Tasha Parsons requested with police, she said Waldo Jones participated in the beatings.

Jones told police in an interview that he was present during the beatings and tried to intervene a couple times, according to court documents. He said he didn’t call police and left when Devin lost consciousness, telling some acquaintances that a child at the home was dead. Jones had been living in the home for about a year.

"People think that he is innocent. I never seen her do anything to the kids. And I seen how mean he treats them" said Jones' sister, Bobbie Gilland.

Police found blood on Jones’ and Tasha Parsons’ clothing.

Clinging to pictures of her grandson, Jeannie Welch talked to 24 Hour News 8 about Devin.

"He was like a little sponge, he wanted to take in everything.
He was always curious."

Welch said that curiosity, along with a desire to take care of his mom, may have led to 12-year-old Devin Parsons murder.

"He told Waldo on several occasions, I hate you, I don't like what you've done to my mom. He said I want my mom back and I want you out of my house. He was trying to be the man" said Welch.

An autopsy will be performed on Devin Parsons on Tuesday, though police officials said in court documents that Devin’s injuries were consistent with what Tasha Parsons told them happened.