A tragic incident in Virginia has led to felony charges for a father and his mother after a farm tractor accident resulted in the death of a 3-year-old boy.
Austin Tester, 21, and his mother, Kelly Tester, 41, are facing serious charges, including felony homicide, child abuse, neglect, and obstruction of justice, according to the Bristol Police Department.
The Tragic Accident and Delay in Calling for Help
On April 23, Austin Tester was driving a farm tractor with his young son seated on his lap when the vehicle overturned in the 100 block of Davis Alley in Bristol, Virginia. The boy was trapped underneath the tractor.
Authorities say that instead of immediately calling 911, Austin Tester contacted his mother, Kelly Tester, at 11:17 a.m. She arrived at the scene minutes later, but the two adults waited 22 minutes before calling emergency services.
Father Flees the Scene After Delay
Emergency responders arrived 31 minutes after the crash, but by then, it was too late. The delay in seeking help significantly impacted the ability to perform timely life-saving measures.
Police and emergency services worked together to lift the tractor, allowing medical personnel to remove the child, but despite their efforts, the boy succumbed to his injuries. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was asphyxiation.
Charges Against Father and Grandmother
Authorities have charged both Austin and Kelly Tester with felony homicide, child abuse, and neglect due to the delayed response to the emergency. Kelly Tester also faces an obstruction of justice charge.
Investigators revealed that Austin had an outstanding probation violation from a prior drug-related offense, which he allegedly cited as the reason for fleeing the scene.
False Information and Concealment
Police later located Austin Tester at a residence belonging to Kelly Tester. Kelly was found to have provided false information to law enforcement and assisted in concealing her son, delaying authorities’ ability to find him.
Police Chief’s Statement on the Tragedy
Bristol Police Chief D. Byron Ashbrook expressed his sorrow over the incident, calling it “heartbreaking and tragic.” He also noted the concerning delay in contacting emergency services, which had a significant impact on the outcome. Ashbrook acknowledged the toll such incidents take on first responders, who are often faced with high-pressure situations in critical moments.
Arrests and Jail Time for Father and Grandmother
Austin Tester has been arrested and booked in the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority without bond, while Kelly Tester is being held at the Abingdon Facility of the same jail, also without bond.
