Child’s death under investigation

Russell Charles Chapman was admitted to the Henry County Medical Center on Sept. 27. He died six days later.

Maj. Jason Bolton of the Henry County Police Department said hospital staff contacted police after Chapman was brought into the hospital.

Bolton confirmed that detectives are currently investigating Chapman’s death, but would not comment on the cause of death or the exact nature of the child’s injuries.

Bolton said investigators plan to meet with DFACS representatives on Monday to review the case.

Chapman had been in the protective custody of Barrow County DFACS prior to his placement with a Henry County couple.

Department of Children and Family Services spokeswoman Dina Smith said Chapman’s parents surrendered their parental rights before the child was moved to the Locust Grove foster home.

According to Smith, the DFACS Special Investigations Unit and the Office of Investigative Services are currently working with the Henry County Police Department to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.

“Right now, the investigation is going on and we’ll find out more once the investigation is completed,” she said.

Chapman was buried Oct. 8 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Winder. A spokesman for Smith Funeral Homes said Barrow County DFACS arranged the funeral.