HEPHZIBAH, GA – Following the tragic death of his 4-month-old son, a 21-year-old father with a troubled past is facing charges of murder and child cruelty.

Daveon Jonquavious Wood has been accused of fatally injuring his son, Aiden Jonquezz Wood, who was first admitted to the hospital on Nov. 9 with brain injuries thought to have been caused by being struck or shaken. Following Aiden’s demise on Wednesday, the charge of murder was added to the initial charge of child cruelty Wood faced.

Aiden, afflicted by severe brain trauma, was treated at the Children’s Hospital of Augusta. Over the weekend, the emotional weight of his passing was marked by an Honor Walk, conducted before his organs were donated, offering a final gesture of dignity for the young child considered an angel by his family.

Authorities indicate that a heated night possibly precipitated the injuries. Earlier, Wood had been involved in a commotion at a McDonald’s on Tobacco Road, where witnesses reported him in an altercation with employees. The disturbance might have led to visible bruising around his eye, as shown in his mugshot.

Jadan Gardenhire, Aiden’s mother, reportedly left her son with Wood’s sister to retrieve a vehicle that Wood had left at the restaurant. Upon returning home, Wood allegedly went into a room with his son, and distressing sounds followed. Family members recounted hearing Wood shouting at Aiden to stop crying, after which they reported that Aiden’s cries not only ceased, but he stopped breathing.

Complicating matters is Wood’s history of legal trouble. Over the last 18 months, he has faced multiple arrests on charges including domestic violence and reckless driving. His tumultuous relationship with Gardenhire featured various domestic issues, culminating in several stints in jail and ongoing legal struggles.

Earlier in January 2024, Wood was detained after an episode involving gunfire on Windsor Spring Road. Having recently moved out of Gardenhire’s home, he was accused of stalking. Wood claimed an altercation with another motorist involving shots fired, but law enforcement later identified the purported weapon as a paintball gun.

Investigators found evidence suggestive of reckless driving at the location, supporting charges of misdemeanor stalking and reckless driving against Wood during this incident. He remains in custody at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center without bail.

While the investigation into Aiden’s death unfolds, Gardenhire has turned to social media to express profound sorrow. Her heartfelt tributes to her son include angel emojis beside Aiden’s name, encapsulating her grief and loss.