Father of toddler crushed to demise in Lakeland says he tried to warn DCF, get custody of kid

LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) – 8 On Your Side is working to find out why 2-year-old Jayden Hines was in a situation his father says led to his death. The big question is, was the state child protection agency involved in this case in any way?

Police identified Jayden’s alleged killer as 30-year-old Alegray Jones. He faces a first degree murder charge, a capital crime, and the most serious charges. If convicted, Jones could face death.

Improved documents from the Lakeland Police Department state that the suspect left Jayden unconscious for at least 60 minutes after beating the toddler.

“Not a 2 year old, mine [or] Whoever should experience this and die this way so that I want the most extreme severe punishment possible, ”said Jayden’s father Rashawd Hines.

According to Detectives, the suspect has a criminal history and was with Jayden’s mother.

A few months ago, Mr. Hines said he warned the Florida Department of Children and Families and the 10th Judicial Circuit Court, wrote letters to Judge Torea Spohr and called DCF.

Mr Hines says he tried to change the existing custody agreement – he says, based in part on his ex’s alleged history with the system.

“She lost custody of her first daughter and that should have had an impact on the judge’s decision … all of that should have been judged in the decision,” said Hines.

The court reports that 8 On Your Side revealed that Jayden’s mother was on trial in 2016 on another Polk County custody case. We called your listed number and are waiting for a response.

In the meantime, Mr. Hines says that the tremendous support from the community is helping him survive.

“I had to go out and go to the gym the other day and train some of the kids I used to train. They bring me comfort,” he said. “Just knowing that I can use this as a motivational tool to improve myself and my surroundings and to create awareness.”

Judge Torea Spohr had no comment.

On Monday we asked the Florida Department of Children and Families if the agency was involved in this case. Days later, they still couldn’t answer that simple question. They say they are still researching.

For information on DCF, please contact 8 On Your Side Investigator Mahsa Saeidi at [email protected].