Bradenton Man Charged in Toddler’s Death

BRADENTON, FL — A 25-year-old Bradenton man faces aggravated child abuse charges in connection with the Monday death of his stepson.

According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called out to a home in the 3300 block of 4th St. E. around 11:40 p.m. Nov. 14 in regard to an unresponsive child. Ethan Thompson, 1, was transported to a local hospital, but was pronounced dead.

Investigators determined Ethan, who would have turned 2 on New Year’s Eve, “was physically abused” by Montez McNeal, an email from the agency said. The abuse “contributed to the death.”

Deputies say McNeal is the husband of Ethan’s mother. There were five other children, ranging from 6 months to 12 years living in the home, the agency noted. The children have been placed in protective custody.

Ethan’s mother, who has not been named by authorities, has not been charged in the case.

McNeal was arrested Thursday morning. He was being held in the Manatee County Jail without bond, according to jail records.

Booking photo courtesy of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office