WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Bond set for parents in starving death of 1-year-old son

Bond set for parents in starving death of 1-year-old son

SUMTER, SC (WIS) - A Sumter couple accused of starving their toddler to death could be back in court on Thursday.

Marketta McCray and Kevin Isaac are both facing neglect charges after authorities say they let their 18-month old son, Sincere Isacc, die of starvation.

The two are still in jail after a judge set their bond at $50,000 surety on the neglect charges. Authorities say the couple could be back in court Thursday on homicide charges.

Sumter Police Chief Patty Patterson also says there could be even more charges as officials continue to investigate this case.

"I don't want this," wailed McCray Wednesday in court.

Paraded into court in a prison jumpsuit, McCray was overcome with emotion as the father of her children, Kevin Isaac, stood beside her.  

Both are charged with child neglect and homicide by child abuse, and Wednesday the two faced a judge for a bond hearing on unlawful conduct of a child charges.
    
While an investigator went through a list of what police found in the home, Marketta began to break down.

"On March 3, 2009, it was determined Sincere died of exhaustion from the lack of nourishment and starvation," said an investigator as McCray moaned.

Then the investigator asked that McCray remain in jail until her trial.

"Oh Jesus, I need to see my kids! Can I just get out on bond? Oh Jesus!" wailed McCray.

The magistrate then informed McCray she'll have to remain in jail until a circuit court judge can set her bond on the homicide charge.

"Get off me, let me hug my momma, please!" responded McCray.

The judge allowed Marketta's mother to comfort her, something not usually allowed for suspects in court. Kevin Isaac, who at first showed little emotion, began to cry himself. 

For now, the mother of five will remain in jail until a circuit court judge can set bond for their other charge of homicide by child abuse.

A circuit court judge could set bond in the homicide case as early as Thursday.  
    
If convicted, the two could face 20 years in prison.

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• Sumter police investigating starving death of 1-year-old

Reported by Drew Stewart

Updated by Jeremy Turnage