Knowellan Kelly's siblings remain in protective custody as investigation into Bradenton infant's death continues

Investigation into Bradenton infant's death continues

MANATEE -- A judge ordered the three siblings of 15-month-old Knowellan Kelly to remain in protective custody Thursday as the Manatee County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate his death.

On Saturday, deputies were called to Manatee Memorial Hospital regarding suspicious circumstances involving Knowellan. The child was treated at the hospital and then transported to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, where he died Sunday night.

Knowellan died of injuries consistent with child abuse, according to an autopsy performed Tuesday. The boy had been staying with his mother, Danake Crawford, and her boyfriend, according to the sheriff's office.

The investigation into his death remains ongoing, according to sheriff's office spokesman Randy Warren. No charges have been filed.

Circuit Judge Robert Farrance ordered the child's siblings, ages 2, 3 and 6, to remain in protective custody. None of the parents, including Crawford, were present during the hearing.

Investigators and Florida Department of Children and Families attorneys told Farrance the case remains an ongoing investigation so no details were discussed in court.

DCF said Wednesday its staff would conduct a review of the case, and a report will be made public.

A Critical Incident Rapid Response Team will not be deployed since none of the allegations of abuse against Crawford were verified four months before the child's death.

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter@JDeLeon1012.

This story was originally published December 17, 2015 at 6:56 PM with the headline "Knowellan Kelly's siblings remain in protective custody as investigation into Bradenton infant's death continues ."