News Summary
Genysis Mortley Lowery, a 30-year-old mother from Augusta, faces felony charges after her 1-year-old son, Trae’son, died from a methadone overdose. The tragedy unfolded due to negligence, as the child ingested unsecured methadone left within reach. Lowery reportedly did not seek immediate help when she found her son unresponsive the following morning. A second child has been placed in protective custody as the investigation continues, raising alarming concerns about child safety and caregiver responsibilities in the community.
Augusta – A 30-year-old mother, Genysis Mortley Lowery, is facing felony charges of cruelty to children in the second degree following the tragic fatal overdose of her 1-year-old son from methadone. The incident reportedly occurred on June 11 at their home on Ward Avenue, with the subsequent investigation revealing critical negligence on Lowery’s part.
The investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) indicated that the child, Trae’son Kevin Dunn, ingested unsecured liquid methadone that had been carelessly left within reach. According to authorities, Lowery was preoccupied in the kitchen while her children played unsupervised in a rear bedroom. During this time, the children knocked over a bottle of methadone that was left on a table, causing the entire contents to spill onto the floor.
Instead of calling for immediate medical assistance, Lowery allegedly chose to clean the mess and placed her son Trae’son into a playpen without supervision. He was reportedly left unattended and fell asleep around 10 p.m. Later, Lowery discovered him unresponsive the following morning. First responders arrived at the scene and pronounced Trae’son dead.
A forensic analysis found that Trae’son tested positive for methadone, with a concentration level of 0.55 milligrams per liter, which is considered a potentially lethal dose for a child of his age. Authorities have suggested that Trae’son suffered “cruel and excessive physical and mental pain” attributing this to lowery’s negligence and failure to provide adequate care.
The situation was compounded by the fact that Trae’son’s father, Tristan Marquis Dunn, left their home at approximately 3 p.m. on the day of the incident and did not return until around 11 p.m., well after Trae’son had already been placed in the playpen.
As a result of the incident, a second child residing in the home has been placed into protective custody and transported to Children’s Hospital for evaluation. This action reflects the severity of the situation and the concerns for children’s safety within the household.
Lowery was arrested on August 2, following the completion of the investigation. She has publicly claimed on social media that she has never used drugs and has denied the allegations made against her concerning the loss of her son. However, as of now, the investigation remains ongoing, and further developments are expected as it progresses.
This incident highlights critical issues surrounding child safety and parental neglect, sparking concerns within the community about the responsibilities of caregivers and the accessibility of harmful substances to children. Authorities are continuing to emphasize the importance of securing medications and other potential hazards in households where children reside.
The case is another reminder of the potential dangers faced by young children in environments where adequate supervision and care are not provided. This tragic event has raised awareness in Augusta and beyond about the need for vigilance when it comes to securing hazardous materials and ensuring children’s safety.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle Obituary
- Wikipedia: Child Neglect
- Thomas Poteet Obituary
- Google Search: Parental Negligence
- Central Maine Obituary
- Google Scholar: Child Safety
- Augusta Press News Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Safety
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
