In a quiet suburban neighborhood outside Atlanta, the life of a bright and curious 6-year-old was cut tragically short in a case that has shocked a community and left many searching for answers. Jacob Williams, remembered by relatives for his laughter and energy, died from severe injuries inflicted during a punishment that spiraled into fatal abuse.
On Monday, December 15, a Henry County courtroom delivered long-awaited sentences in the years-long legal battle surrounding Jacob’s death. Less Thompson Jr., 33, who was found guilty on multiple counts including felony murder and child cruelty, will spend the rest of his life in prison without parole. Deshante LaShawn Beard, 37, Jacob’s mother, received a 30-year sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.
Prosecutors described a grim series of events spanning several days in June 2021 at the couple’s home on Belmont Farms Drive in Ellenwood, Georgia. According to trial testimony and court documents, Jacob was physically punished repeatedly for bed-wetting — a behavior that should have drawn compassion, not cruelty. In the days leading up to his death, Thompson and Beard disciplined him with beatings, and on the morning of June 13, the punishment escalated.
That morning, Jacob was forced to run laps, do push-ups and other strenuous exercises in the summer heat after he wet the bed again. When he eventually collapsed from exhaustion, rather than rush him to help, the adults waited at least four hours before calling 911. Paramedics found the boy in shock; he was later diagnosed with brain swelling, multiple bruises covering most of his body, a broken arm and serious head injuries. He died shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Neighbors and family members have spoken about the cruelty they saw unfold that day, and the horror of discovering Jacob unresponsive in his home. One neighbor described seeing Thompson in a state of distress, holding the lifeless child and screaming. For those who knew Jacob, the bright little boy who loved play and family moments, the loss feels unbearable — a life full of promise ended too soon by needless brutality.
During the sentencing hearing, District Attorney Darius Pattillo reminded the courtroom that Jacob’s death was not an accident but the result of choices made by the very people who were supposed to protect and nurture him. “A child’s life was taken by the very people who were responsible for caring for him and keeping him safe,” Pattillo said in a statement.
Reactions remain emotional across Henry County, with neighbors, extended family and child advocates reflecting on the importance of recognizing signs of abuse and intervening before tragedy strikes. Jacob’s story has drawn attention to how dangerous harsh physical punishment can be and underscored the need for community vigilance in protecting vulnerable children.
Today, as Jacob’s name is remembered in news reports and memorial posts, his case stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked cruelty. The sentences handed down this December bring legal closure, but for many who loved him, the emotional wound remains open.
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