BY IRIS B. HOLTON
Sentinel City Editor
On Thursday morning, Attorney Grady Irvin filed a motion to obtain a bond hearing for a Tampa mother. The mother is being held on a $100,000 bond in the death of her infant son.
In the motion, Attorney Irvin, who is representing Ms. Sierra McMillan, hopes to have her bond reduced so she can attend the funeral of her son, Jerwond Elder, Jr., on Saturday. The hearing will take place on Friday, May 10th, at 10 a.m.
“The death of her seven-month-old son, Jerwond, Elder, Jr., was a tragic accident,” Attorney Irvin said in the motion.
He went on to note that “both parents were living together and raising a family.” In addition to Jerwond, Ms. McMillan, 22, is the mother of two daughters, ages 2 and 3.
The motion further stated that there is no record of the Department of Children & Families ever being called to the home and there are no prior incidents of neglect.
“They were a young couple with common everyday struggles associated with raising children that have been well-loved and cared for. The father operates a mobile detail business. … Every day, these kids got up and see ‘mom and dad’ at home taking care of them as a family.”
Attorney Irvin further said although the oldest child was born with spina bifada, and has spent her entire life in a wheelchair, she receives constant care, love and affection from her parents.
He further stated in the motion that Ms. McMillan deeply regrets she ever went to answer the door.
The funeral for Jerwond will take place on Saturday, May 11th, at 2 p.m., at Springhill Baptist Church. Wilson’s Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.
