HOLMES BEACH, FL (WWSB) - Police have arrested David Earl Vickers, 31, of Holmes Beach for homicide. Detectives say Vickers called 911 on August 21 to report an unresponsive child. EMS responded to the scene and began perfoming CPR on 17-month-old Luca Sholey, who was taken to Blake Medical Center before being airlifted to All Children's Hospital in St. Pete.
Two days later, Luca was declared brain dead. The hospital staff examined Luca, and found injuries that were described as consistent with child abuse.
The Holmes Beach Police Department, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Crimes against Children unit and Child Protective Services launched an investigation into the child’s death.
Investigators say they discovered that Luca had been physically abused while in the care of Vickers on several occasions. They also determined that the injuries sustained on August 21st, while the child was in the care of Vickers, ultimately led to Luca’s death.
David Earl Vickers was arrested and charged with one count of 2nd Degree Homicide and one count of Aggravated Child Abuse.
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