Deputies were first told he fell out of a chair. The autopsy told a very different story.
Aydon, a 6-year-old boy in Greer, South Carolina, died on October 30, 2022, from a Benadryl overdose. His guardians, Sarah and Christopher Stewart, were later charged in connection with his death.
An Unresponsive Child
Deputies responded to the Stewart home on October 30, 2022, to assist paramedics with an unresponsive child. Aydon's guardians initially told authorities he had fallen out of a recliner, hit his head, and suffered a seizure. He was taken to a hospital, where staff described his condition as grim; he died later that day.
What Investigators Found
A search warrant executed at the home found Aydon had been living in filthy conditions, and investigators learned that prior referrals alleging child abuse had previously been made to South Carolina's Department of Social Services. An autopsy found bruising in various stages of healing, consistent with abuse over time, and toxicology results showed Aydon had died from a Benadryl overdose — an amount investigators said would have been enough to kill an adult man. He weighed 45 pounds at the time of his death.
A Guardianship Arrangement
Aydon was not Sarah Stewart's biological son. According to authorities, his birth mother had signed guardianship of him over to Christopher Stewart while she was serving a federal prison sentence in West Virginia.
Charges
Sarah Stewart told investigators she had given Aydon the medication because he was hyperactive. She was charged with homicide by child abuse and unlawful neglect of a child. Christopher Stewart was charged with unlawful neglect of a child. Both were located and arrested roughly five months after Aydon's death, following an extended investigation. At their initial bond hearing, Sarah Stewart was denied bond, while Christopher Stewart was released on a $10,000 bond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Aydon related to Sarah Stewart?
No. His birth mother had signed guardianship over to Christopher Stewart while incarcerated; Sarah Stewart was Christopher's partner.
What charges were filed?
Sarah Stewart was charged with homicide by child abuse and unlawful neglect of a child. Christopher Stewart was charged with unlawful neglect of a child.
Had abuse been reported before Aydon's death?
Yes. Investigators found prior referrals alleging child abuse had been made to South Carolina's Department of Social Services before he died.