Chattanooga, TN, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Dontrell Webb of Chattanooga, TN, has been arrested for allegedly abusing his twelve-year-old niece during a dispute over household chores. The child sustained multiple injuries from being struck with a belt. In a related case, authorities have arrested a 17-year-old boy and the children’s mother in connection with the drowning of a three-year-old boy, highlighting rising concerns around child abuse in the community.
Chattanooga, TN – A local man named Dontrell Webb has been arrested and is facing serious charges after allegedly abusing his twelve-year-old niece. The incident reportedly occurred on McGowan Road, with police responding to a child abuse call on Friday, August 29th. Webb was taken into custody after it was reported that he struck the child numerous times with a belt during a dispute over household chores.
The police arrest report details that the child sustained several injuries, including marks on her legs, arms, chest, back, and face. Following the attack, she was able to fight back against Webb before officers arrived on the scene. Currently, Webb is facing charges of Child Neglect and is being held in custody.
In a related incident, authorities have made arrests in connection with the death of a three-year-old boy, who drowned at a residence on Wilson Street in Chattanooga. First responders received a call about an unresponsive child just after 9 a.m. and rushed the boy to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Upon investigation, officers found signs of abuse on both the deceased child and a one-year-old, who was also identified as a victim of maltreatment.
A 17-year-old boy has admitted to abusing both children. Additionally, the children’s mother, 21-year-old Janecia McKevie, has been charged with failing to report the abuse despite being aware of it. Both McKevie and the teenager face numerous charges, including two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of aggravated child abuse. The one-year-old victim is currently hospitalized, and Child Protective Services has been notified to take further action regarding the situation.
These incidents highlight a troubling trend in child abuse cases in the Chattanooga area, where authorities are increasingly responding to reports of abuse involving minors. Domestic disputes and the responsibilities tied to household tasks appear to be contributing factors in these cases, as seen in the situation involving Webb.
The community continues to seek justice for the victims and ensure that children are protected from abuse. The relationship between the suspects and the children involved in the drowning case remains unclear, leaving many in the area concerned about child safety and welfare.
Recent Child Abuse Incidents in Chattanooga
- Dontrell Webb, 12-year-old niece, belt abuse
- 3-year-old boy drowned, 1-year-old found abused
- Charges: Child Neglect, aggravated assault, aggravated child abuse
What Are the Signs of Child Abuse?
Recognizing the signs of child abuse can be crucial for the prevention of further harm. Signs may include unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, withdrawal from social activities, and fear of going home.
Community Response
The local community is encouraged to report any suspected cases of child abuse to the authorities immediately. Education and awareness are vital steps towards creating a safer environment for children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against Dontrell Webb?
Webb is facing charges of Child Neglect for allegedly beating his niece with a belt.
What led to the arrest of Janecia McKevie and the teenager?
They were arrested in connection with the drowning of a 3-year-old boy and the abuse of a 1-year-old, with both facing charges of aggravated assault and aggravated child abuse.
How can community members help in cases of suspected child abuse?
Community members are encouraged to report any suspected cases of child abuse immediately to the authorities.
Chart: Key Features of Child Abuse Cases in Chattanooga
| Incident | Victims | Charges | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dontrell Webb | 12-year-old niece | Child Neglect | August 29 |
| 3-year-old drowning | 3-year-old, 1-year-old | Aggravated assault, aggravated child abuse | Pending |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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The Heartbreaking Case of 7-Month-Old Emmanuel Haro: Parents Charged with Murder
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Additional Resources
- News Channel 9
- WDEF News 12
- Chattanooga Pulse
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton 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 Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
