Woman charged in death of 22-month-old child posts bond

We’re updating the story of a women charged in connection with the death of a 22-month-old child brought to Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto back in mid-June.

DeSoto County District Attorney Bob Morris confirmed Monday afternoon, July 3 that Quantella Towns of Como had posted a $100,000 bond after her arrest. Morris said Towns is charged with felony child neglect in the child’s death.

“We are waiting on the State Medical Examiner’s Office to give a report as to cause of death,” Morris said Monday afternoon. “Once we have that, we will review the matter to see if additional charges are warranted and present the case to the Grand Jury.”

Morris added this was a terrible tragedy, very upsetting to lose a child like this, and, “We remain in prayer for the extended family.” 

Hernando police said Towns, age 22 of Como, was placed is in custody and charged after a deceased 22-month-old child was brought to Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto in Southaven on Wednesday, June 14.  

According to information from the police department, they were told about 4:20 p.m. that afternoon about the child being brought to the hospital. Officers and investigators came to the hospital and met with staff, parents of the child, and County Coroner Josh Pounders. 

During the investigation, police said they found a number of inconsistencies in information they received in conversations and interviews.  

As a result, an arrest warrant early Thursday morning, June 15, was issued for the child’s mother, identified as Quantella Vonsha Towns. She was arrested by Panola County authorities and taken to Hernando for processing and questioning, and was booked into the DeSoto County Adult Detention Center early Thursday morning.  

Jail information states Towns was released on June 16. An Aug. 8 court date has been set in the case.