Cause of Death Revealed for 7-Year-Old William Evans-Ellis as Three Women Face Charges

The cause of death has been determined for 7-year-old William Evans-Ellis, whose body was discovered in a Cincinnati apartment earlier this month.

Hamilton County Coroner Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco concluded that William died from blunt force trauma to the head.

William was found on August 6, 2026, with his hands and feet reportedly bound with duct tape. His body had been hidden inside a closet at an apartment in Cincinnati’s Oakley neighborhood.

The medical examination revealed numerous bruises at different stages of healing, a severe elbow injury, and other wounds. Authorities said the findings raised concerns about prolonged abuse.

Investigators had previously alleged that William was subjected to various forms of abuse, including beatings, burns, and being submerged in water. However, the official cause of death was head trauma, not drowning.

Three women have been charged in connection with the case:

• Kaitlin Evans, 38, William’s mother
• Nessa Keaney, 23
• Kirby Rankin, 33

The women face multiple charges, including aggravated murder, kidnapping, and child endangerment. All three have pleaded not guilty, and each has been assigned $1.1 million bail.

Hamilton County prosecutors said the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are also considering whether there is sufficient evidence to pursue the death penalty.

The allegations against the defendants have not been proven in court, and all three remain presumed innocent unless found guilty.

Source: WCIV