A grand jury in Ohio has indicted a 23-year-old man named Anthony McCants, holding him responsible for the death of a 12-year-old boy due to excessive punishment involving ice baths. McCants is facing a charge of murder alongside eight counts of child endangerment, as documented by the Summit County Court of Common Pleas.
The incident took place on March 22, when McCants allegedly forced the boy to undergo ice baths as a disciplinary measure. Reports indicate that the first ice bath lasted approximately 45 minutes, interspersed with brief breaks for push-ups and other physical activities, followed by a second ice bath session later in the day. Following this punishment, the boy reportedly began to vomit and had seizures, prompting someone in the household to call emergency services, claiming that the 12-year-old required immediate medical assistance.
The child was transported to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his condition. Authorities noted that his body temperature was measured at 74 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 23.3 degrees Celsius) when he arrived at the hospital. For reference, medical experts assert that hypothermia occurs when a person’s body temperature falls below 35 degrees Celsius.
Anthony McCants is scheduled to appear in court for his arraignment on May 14.