TRENTON SCOTT - 4 yo/ Accused: William Hedden - Candler (W of Asheville) NC

Arrest Made In Child's Death

Child May Have Been Beaten, Deputies Say

CANDLER, N.C. -- Buncombe County deputies said they've arrested a man in the death
of a 4-year-old boy at 6 Mervine Street in Candler.Officials said
William Godfrey Hedden is charged with first-degree murder.The
boy was found dead at 6 Mervine St. after deputies were asked to come
to the home by an ambulance that had been dispatched to the location
after a 911 call, investigators said. They said the boy's mother is the
person who called 911.Deputies said that when they arrived, they
found a dead boy who appeared to have suffered from blunt-force trauma.
They said that the boy's mother and a man were at the home at the time
when deputies responded.A judge denied bond for Hedden,
based on the nature of the charge against him.The boy was not immediately identified.

William Hedden

http://www.foxcarolina.com/news/27596835/detail.html

District Attorney Ron Moore said Wednesday he would seek the death
penalty for a Candler man charged with murder in the beating death of a
4-year-old boy.William Godfrey Hedden, 24, of Sams Branch Road,
made a first appearance in Buncombe County District Court.Judge
Patricia Young agreed to Hedden’s request for a court-appointed lawyer
and set May 5 at the date for a probable cause hearing.Hedden
is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Trenton Scott, who
Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan said succumbed to blunt force trauma
inside his home on Mervine Street in Hilltop Mobile Home Park.The
boy’s mother, 29-year-old Heather Denise Scott, called 911 shortly
after 6 a.m. Tuesday to report that she woke up and found her son dead.
She told a dispatcher the child appeared to have been beaten.
Moore informed Young at Wednesday’s hearing he intended to seek the death penalty.
Hedden’s crime “qualifies under the statute,” the district attorney said.North
Carolina general statutes list 11 possible aggravating factors that
jurors can consider in deciding whether a defendant should receive the
death penalty following a first-degree murder conviction. These include
the crime being especially heinous, atrocious or cruel; the defendant
had previously been convicted of a violent felony: and that the crime
was part of a course of conduct that included other violent crimes.At
least one of those factors must be present for a prosecutor to seek
death. Moore declined to say what aggravating factors are present in
Hedden’s case.Duncan said that only Hedden, Scott and the
boy were present in the mobile home before the child’s death. Hedden was
charged Tuesday night after he and Scott were questioned by
investigators at the Sheriff’s Office.Hedden was convicted
in April 2010 of misdemeanor larceny, received a suspended sentence and
put on 12 months of probation, according to N.C. Department of Correction records.

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20110420/NEWS01/110420025/District-attorney-seek-death-penalty-Candler-child-s-slaying-?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Frontpage|p

Relatives of a murdered child memorialize the little boy with a
fundraiser to help the family, and draw attention to the problem of
child abuse.

Buncombe County deputies say Trenton Scott died after he was beaten to death last Tuesday.

William Hedden is in jail charged with first-degree murder in the case.

Trenton Scott's great-aunt Jody Reagan, her daughter and friends,
are busy making bright blue ribbons in memory of the little boy.

Regan is selling the ribbons for a dollar each at her restaurant, the Harmony Cafe in the Biltmore Square Mall.

She says the family can use a helping hand, and she's working to
prevent the tragedy of child abuse that took the life of her
great-nephew.

Neighbors of the little boy in a mobile home park in Candler have
put up a memorial with flowers and toys at the trailer where deputies
found him dead.

They say it's their way of showing support for the family during the tragedy.

http://www.wlos.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wlos_vid_4336.shtml

Bump

A memorial service for a slain toddler will be private.The
family is attempting to find privacy in the glare of the high-profile
murder of the 4-year-old, said Jennifer Myers, a friend of Trenton's
father, Justin Scott.For that reason a Saturday evening memorial service will be reserved for family and friends, Myers said.“It will be a celebration of Trenton's life,” she said.A
casket would not be at that service, Myers said. She declined to say
when the actual burial will be or if it is open to the public. A
Saturday obituary notice gave no details of a funeral.The
family had been concerned about being able to pay for the funeral and
had set up a fund. But friends and Asheville Area Alternative Funeral
and Cremation Services have agreed to cover the cost, Myers said.“This
tragedy hit so close to home that it is a blessing to see how many
people without knowing Trent or the family just genuinely care,” she
said.The boy loved to be outside, “especially playing baseball, fishing, skateboarding and riding his Spiderman bike,” she said.Myers said Trenton had trouble with a knee that would often pop out of joint, but it rarely stopped him.“He was always smiling,” she said.

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20110501/NEWS/305010077/Service-for-slain-Asheville-area-boy-to-be-private?odyssey=tab|mostpopular|text|FRONTPAGE

Top Stories - Friends of Will Hedden



Friends turn out to show support for the family of a man accused of murder.
Will Hedden is charged with first degree murder in the beating death of four-year-old Trenton Scott last month.
The court continued Hedden's probable cause hearing scheduled this afternoon.
He was not in the courtroom, which was a disappointment to his friends who wanted to see him.
They say they're shocked he could be accused of such a brutal crime, and wanted him to know they're supporting him and his family.

More warrants in beating death of Asheville-area child released

8:54 AM, May. 4, 2011

ASHEVILLE — A fourth search warrant in the beating death of 4-year-old Trenton Scott was released Tuesday.

William Godfrey Hedden, 24, of Sams Branch Road, is charged with first degree murder in the case.

The Police Department searched the home where Scott lived with his mother, Heather Benson, and where the crime occurred. During the search, authorities confiscated bed sheets, a syringe with needle, beer bottles, liquor bottles, a glass pipe, a plastic bag with marijuana residue, prescription pill bottles and other items.

Other warrants released in the case document bite marks and bruises on Scott's body and document child erotica found at Hedden's home.

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20110504/NEWS01/110504013/More-warrants-beating-death-Asheville-area-child-released?odyssey=obinsite

Warrant: child erotica found in home of Asheville-area man charged in child's death


8:41 AM, Apr. 28, 2011


CANDLER — Four pages of child erotica were found in the home of a man charged with the murder of his girlfriend’s 4-year-old son, according to a search warrant.

Investigators seized the items, along with a box cutter, handwritten note, Petsmart card, a composition on “Business Law”, notebooks and phones, from the home of William Godfrey Emanuel Hedden on Sams Branch Road in Candler.

Hedden is charged with the first-degree murder in the death of Trenton Scott. He is being held in the Buncombe County jail without bond. District Attorney Ron Moore has said he will seek the death penalty in the case.
In the search warrant, investigators also noted that a Facebook account with Hedden’s picture lists guns and beer as interests, along with a television show where people engage in violent, physical attacks on other people.
The warrant states that neighbors reported hearing a vehicle door shut in the early morning hours of April 19 at the home on Mervine Street where the boy was found dead early that same morning.
Hedden’s black pickup truck was parked at the home when officers arrived on the scene. “Vehicles are often used in the transmission or transportation of evidence to and from different locations and/or crime scenes,” the warrant states.
Hedden’s girlfriend and Scott’s mother, Heather Benson, called 911 about 6 a.m. April 19 and said she had found her son dead in their home in Hilltop Mobile Home Park on Mervine Street in Candler.

Authorities responding to the call discovered “visible bruises about the deceased child’s body”. They also found “wounds on the child’s body which appear to be consistent with human bite marks on the child’s buttocks, back and chest”.

Investigators had a licensed dentist take a dental impression of Hedden’s teeth, according to previously obtained warrants.

A DNA sample was also taken from Hedden. During an interview with Hedden, investigators “observed that he had what appeared to be blood droplets on his right shoulder which had spread down his shoulder and arm and was initially covered by his clothing”.

They also noticed that Hedden’s skin had a “red discoloration” that possibly resembled blood.

Deputies seized the clothing and took samples of Hedden’s blood and sweat.

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20110428/NEWS01/110428017

Obituary
Trenton Scott
Trenton

Michael Scott

Candler - Trenton Michael Scott, 4, born December 8th, 2006 went to be with the Lord on April 19, 2011.

Survived by his father, Justin Scott; his mother, Heather Benson; Gram and Grandpa Denise and Bradd Scott; Nana, Judy Benson; Papaw, Alvin Reagan; aunts and uncles, Jason Scott, Adam and Tara Diaz, and Kristy Benson; cousins, Asa Scott, Jacob and Dylan Diaz, and Hailey Cochran. Trenton has many other great aunts, uncles, and cousins who adored him.

We have been devastated by his death. He impacted everyone around him with his joyfulness. He was an exceedingly happy and bubbly little man. Justin recalls just sitting watching a game on TV (any game), and Trenton would jump in his lap and watch the entire game with his daddy. He was an excellent cuddler!

Trenton loved to be outside, especially playing baseball, fishing, skateboarding and riding his Spiderman bike. He loved the outdoors period!

Trenton was the ultimate wrestling champion. He called his daddy every day, always with "Guess what I'm doing?", and his answer was always "watching wrestling" or "playing wrestling on my Wii". He was a big fan of John Cena.

Trenton had a knee that would occasionally "pop out"; he would pop it back in and go about his activities. He couldn't be stopped. He persevered, persisted, he was absolutely wonderful.

His loss has been felt by all who knew him. He was always smiling, and we feel him with us even now in stories we relate about a 4 year old boy who impacted us all beyond measure.

Knowing that Trenton is with the Lord, bringing joy to our Father, gives us peace. His joy is our joy.

We love you Trenton, you are a blessing and a gift. See you in eternity buddy.

Our family can't express in words how grateful we are for the out-pouring of support from the community. The Scott/Reagan family encourages everyone to leave condolences at www.ashevilleareaalternative.com. We are blessed to have these folks caring for our family in this difficult time.

Published in the Asheville Citizen-Times on May 2, 2011

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/citizen-times/obituary.aspx?n=trenton-scott&pid=150732743

Slain Candler boy's family releases statement
April 24, 2011
Written by
STAFF REPORTS

ASHEVILLE — Statement by Kristy Benson and Tara Diaz, sisters of Heather Benson and aunts of Trent Scott:

“We are writing this on behalf of our sister, who is understandably not able to write such a letter after suffering the most tragic loss someone could suffer. Her son, our nephew, was such a loving, happy, sweet boy. He loved to play with his cousins. They would run around and chase each other or go on missions and have the most fun. He loved baseball, football and wrestling. He was going to start karate this summer and was so excited about learning how to break a board. Trent loved playing outside with his mommy, playing in the floor with her, but most of all cuddling with her.

“Our family will always remember his smiling face and his big hugs. We will always cherish the time we had with Trent and will always wish we had more time with him.

“We would like to thank everyone who has prayed for us. Your support and kind words are greatly appreciated and have touched us a great deal. God Bless.”

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20110424/NEWS01/110424001/1347/NEWS07/Slain-Candler-boy-s-family-releases-statement

Warrants reveal bite marks on slain 4-year-old from Candler
April 26, 2011
Death of child in Candler: Buncombe Sheriff's officers investigate the death of a child at Hilltop Mobile Home Park in Candler, with comments from neighbors and Sheriff Van Duncan. April 19, 2011 (Sabian Warren, AC-T)
Written by
James Shea

ASHEVILLE – Numerous human bite marks on the body of a 4-year-old child found beaten to death led investigators to request dental impressions of the suspect in his killing, according to search warrants returned Monday.

William Godfrey Hedden is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Trenton Scott. He is being held in the county jail without bond. Buncombe County District Attorney Ron Moore has said he will seek the death penalty in the case.

Heather Benson called 911 about 6 a.m. April 19 and said she had found her son dead in their home in Hilltop Mobile Home Park on Mervine Street in Candler.

Authorities responding to the call discovered “visible bruises about the deceased child's body.” They also found “wounds on the child's body which appear to be consistent with human bite marks on the child's buttocks, back and chest.”

The child's mother and Hedden, Benson's boyfriend, were the only people in the residence when the crime occurred, according to the warrants.

Investigators had a licensed dentist take a dental impression. The warrants did not say whether the bite marks on the child matched Hedden's impression.

A DNA sample was also taken from Hedden. During an interview with Hedden, investigators “observed that he had what appeared to be blood droplets on his right shoulder which had spread down his shoulder and arm and was initially covered by his clothing.”

They also noticed that Hedden's skin had a “red discoloration” that possibly resembled blood. Deputies seized the clothing and took samples of Hedden's blood and sweat.

Hedden had a criminal record before Trenton's death. In April 2010, Hedden was convicted of misdemeanor larceny, according to N.C. Department of Correction records. He received a suspended sentence and was put on probation for 12 months.

The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office did not return a call seeking comment. Friends of Trenton's mother and father said the family is not commenting on the case.

A third search warrant in the case has not been released.



http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20110426/NEWS/304260029/1347/NEWS07

Asheville warrants: Bite marks present on slain 4-year-old
April 25, 2011
Written by
James Shea

Numerous human bite marks on the body of an Asheville-area 4-year-old child found beaten to death led investigators to request dental impressions of his accused killer, according to search warrants returned today.

William Godfrey Hedden is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Trenton Scott.

He is being held in the county jail without bond. Buncombe County District Attorney Ron Moore said he will seek the death penalty in the case.

Heather Benson called 911 about 6 a.m. last Tuesday and said she had found her son dead in their home.

Authorities responding to the call discovered Scott’s body with “visible bruises about the deceased child’s body.”

Authorities also found “wounds on the child’s body which appear to be consistent with human bite marks on the child’s buttocks, back and chest.”

The child’s mother and Hedden, Benson’s boyfriend, were the only people in the residence when the crime occurred, according to the warrants.

Investigators had a licensed dentist take a dental impression. It was not clear from the warrants if the bite marks on the child matched Hedden’s impression.

See Tuesday's Citizen-Times and CITIZEN-TIMES.com for more on this developing story.


http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20110425/NEWS01/110425042/1347/NEWS07

Asheville area boy's slaying crushes family
April 24, 2011

Written by Clarke Morrison

To contribute in memory of Trenton Scott, checks can be written to Lesley Litaker/Shriners Hospital, 1819 Abbotsford Court, Gastonia, NC, 28056.


Heather Benson's son was her world.

The single mother loved cuddling and tussling on the floor with Trent, described by family and friends as a sweet, vibrant boy who almost never complained.

The 4-year-old was her only child.

Now, Benson is struggling with unbearable grief as she deals with funeral preparations for Trenton Scott, who Buncombe County deputies say was beaten to death Tuesday at the hands of a Candler man.

“Her whole life revolved around Trent,” Benson's sister, Tara Diaz, said Saturday. “She is destroyed by what happened.”

Authorities charged William Godfrey Hedden, 24, of Sams Branch Road, with first-degree murder in the child's slaying. District Attorney Ron Moore said he will seek the death penalty.

Benson, 29, called 911 shortly after 6 a.m. Tuesday and reported that she woke up and found her son dead inside their residence on Mervine Street in Hilltop Mobile Home Park.

“Oh my God,” the sobbing woman told a dispatcher. “He looks like he's been beaten to death.”

Sheriff Van Duncan said only Hedden, Benson and the boy were in the mobile home before his death.

Diaz said her sister had no warning her son might be harmed.

“She had no idea (Hedden) was capable of this,” Diaz said. “He had never shown any violence toward her or Trent or anyone else they knew.”

Hedden and Benson were friends who met at PetSmart in Asheville, where they both worked, said close family friend Lesley Cox Litaker.

“I know she wouldn't have put her child in danger for any reason,” Litaker said. “Nothing had given her a red flag (Hedden) would do anything.”

Benson grew up with her two older sisters and mother in the Arden area, attending Valley Springs Middle and Roberson High. Diaz said the family is extremely close. They spent time together at the beach the weekend before Trent was killed.

“My mom, Trent's Nana, along with the rest of our family, will never be the same again because of that monster,” she said.

Without her son, Benson has lost all sense of purpose, said Litaker, who grew up with the sisters. She said she doesn't believe Benson will ever return to the home where her son died.

“She lived to take care of Trent,” Litaker said. “They did everything together. She's just absolutely torn apart.

“He was such a sweet boy, so active, so vibrant. His smile just lit up the room. He was very happy all the time. It's so unfair.”

At the family's request, Litaker is accepting donations in memory of Trent that will go to Shriners Hospital for Children in Greenville, S.C., where the boy was treated regularly for a birth defect involving his leg.

“This way the money can help other children get better,” she said. “And his memory will live on in a very positive way.

“I wish I could just make it a bad dream. I can't imagine anything on this earth worse than what they're going through.”

http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20110424/NEWS/304240054/1347/NEWS07

Bandit, thank you so much for updating this tragic story.

Happy to do it -- too bad there are so many stories like this. :-(