CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – UPDATE
The Christiansburg Police Department will hold a press conference Friday at 10 a.m. to announce charges and give more information surrounding the death of a 2-year-old boy last weekend.
Police have confirmed that Kayla Nicole Thomas, 25, is the boy's mother. Her boyfriend, McKenzie Hellman, was charged with child abuse earlier in the week in relation to this case.
Thomas is facing the following charges in relation to this case:
- Committing forcible sodomy by engaging in fellatio against the victim's will by force, threat or intimidation
- Inanimate object penetration of a person less than 13 years of age
- Production of child pornography involving a child less than 15 years of age
- Possession and distribution of child pornography
- Being a parent or guardian, commit a willful act so gross and wanton as to show a reckless disregard for human life -- child neglect
Police say this investigation is ongoing, and more information about charges Thomas is facing and the additional charges facing Hellman's at Friday's press conference.
ORIGINAL STORY
A Christiansburg woman is accused of making child porn and sexually assaulting children.
Kayla Nicole Thomas, 25, is charged with committing forcible sodomy by engaging in fellatio against the victim's will by force, threat or intimidation, penetrating a child under age 13 with an inanimate object and producing child porn involving a child less than 15 years old. She is also charged with distribution of child porn and committing a willful act as a parent or guardian so gross and wanton as to show a reckless disregard for human life -- child neglect.
10 News spoke to a man who identified himself as the roommate of Kayla Thomas and McKenzie Hellman. According to the roommate, Thomas is the mother of the 2-year-old boy who died Sunday night after being found unresponsive on Friday. Hellman, who is charged with felony child abuse in connection to the death, is Thomas' boyfriend and is not the boy's father, according to the roommate.
It's not clear yet if Thomas' charges relate to the child who died. The charges were filed Wednesday. Police say the investigation into his death revealed a history of abuse, both physical and sexual.
Thomas is being held at the Western Virginia Regional Jail without bond.
Police tell 10 News that the investigation is still going on and they are planning to release more information shortly.