Teen Found Dead in Mississippi Ditch After Uncle With Criminal Record Checks Him Out of State Custody

A Tennessee man with a long criminal history has been arrested after his 17-year-old nephew was found dead in a Mississippi ditch just days after the boy was checked out of state custody for a supposed family trip.

Victor “Jerry” Carver III, 37, was arrested on manslaughter charges after authorities discovered the body of Caden Cantrelle on the side of a rural road in Jasper County, Mississippi on Monday, July 8.

Carver had been given permission to check the teen out of the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) on July 5. Instead of returning the boy, he illegally crossed state lines with him and never made contact with officials again.

Authorities began a search after Cantrelle’s father reported that his son’s phone last pinged in Mississippi. The father had a tracking app installed. Deputies found the teen’s body deep in a ditch covered in vines, and Carver was later found asleep at his home in Tennessee with the same vehicle used during the trip parked outside.

Carver admitted to leaving the boy on the side of the road after an argument, but has not admitted to killing him. Police say the investigation is ongoing and the charges may be upgraded as more evidence is gathered.

Carver has a criminal record dating back to 2007, including a guilty plea for attempted aggravated assault. Despite this, he was still allowed to check Cantrelle out of DCS care.

Stacie Odeneal, a certified child welfare law specialist, said the system failed the teen:

“We as a system prevented him from having a chance. This case is the worst outcome I’ve seen in 15 years.”

DCS confirmed that employees involved in authorizing the visit have been placed on leave as it reviews the handling of the case.

The full circumstances surrounding the boy’s placement in state care and his relationship with his father remain unclear. The criminal investigation continues.

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