WASHINGTON — The father of a 1-year-old boy who was killed by his mother in Cheverly, Maryland, is asking the public for help.
James Dugan III says he does not have enough money to pay for funeral expenses after police say his 1-year-old son died at the hands of the mother, 24-year-old Sonya Spoon.
Prince George’s County police say Sonya Spoon suffocated Ayden Spoon, 1, and Kayla Thompson, 3, by putting plastic bags over their heads on Sept. 7. Sonya Spoon is being charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the kids’ deaths.
Dugan and his family have opened an account on Gofundme.com, hoping people will help with donations for Ayden Spoon’s funeral.
“I need the money to be able to pay for the cremation,” Dugan says. “And then I need money for a headstone.”
There is a $10,000 cap on his account. The cremation will cost around $3,000 and the rest would go toward the headstone, says Dugan.
Funeral services for Kayla Thompson are set for Monday afternoon in West Virginia.
Dugan says he has been in constant contact with Kayla Thompson’s father, and they have been grieving together.
Meanwhile, Sonya Spoon is at a mental health facility.
“I loved her up until the day I found out this happened,” says Dugan.
“I actually knew what love is. Now I know what real hate is.”
To donate, visit Dugan’s page on Gofundme.com.
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