CHATTANOOGA — A Chattanooga man and local R&B performer charged in the drowning death of his 4-year-old nephew appeared in Hamilton County court on Tuesday, where his attorney indicated there is additional information related to the case.
Charges, court action and next steps
DeShundre Vinson, identified as a member of the R&B trio Citi Limitz, faces first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated child abuse following the death of his nephew in August. During Tuesday's hearing, Vinson waived the so-called ten-day rule, a procedural right that would otherwise require a preliminary hearing within ten days if a defendant cannot make bond. The waiver gives defense counsel more time to review evidence before a hearing now scheduled for Nov. 16.
What prosecutors say happened
According to the police affidavit filed in the case, on Aug. 16 Vinson was babysitting his 4-year-old nephew along with several other children at his apartment complex. The report says Vinson allowed the child to walk about 0.2 mile from the apartment to the complex pool and did not accompany the group. The pool rules reportedly covered by the complex state that children under 14 are not permitted at the pool without adult supervision.
Police say surveillance footage shows the child reach the pool, hold the edge initially and then go underwater. The pool was marked as five feet deep. The affidavit indicates the child remained underwater for about nine minutes before other people at the pool retrieved him and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation. An officer who was already at the complex on an unrelated call heard screaming and responded to the pool area where CPR was underway.
First responders transported the child to Erlanger Hospital. He was treated in the pediatric intensive care unit for several days and died on Aug. 21.
Investigation details and public profile
Detectives reportedly found text messages involving Vinson during the investigation. The court record and law-enforcement statements reviewed by the prosecution were the basis for the current charges; the affidavit alleges there was no parent, guardian or caregiver present with the children at the pool at the time of the drowning.
Vinson and Citi Limitz gained broader exposure after appearing on Season 20 of NBC's America’s Got Talent. His public profile has drawn attention to the case locally and beyond, prompting community concern about supervision and pool safety for young children.
- Arrest date: August 2026 (police response noted on Aug. 16)
- Child transported to hospital: Aug. 16; died Aug. 21
- Preliminary hearing: Nov. 16
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Aug. 16 | Child found unresponsive at apartment complex pool; transported to Erlanger |
| Aug. 21 | Child died after several days in PICU |
| Sept. 8 | Vinson appears in court and waives ten-day rule |
| Nov. 16 | Preliminary hearing scheduled |
At the Sept. 8 hearing the defense formally waived the ten-day preliminary hearing requirement. Court filings indicate the waiver was sought so defense counsel could review the investigative materials and prepare for the evidence to be presented at the upcoming hearing.
Family members have not made a public statement through court filings or investigators, and prosecutors have not released additional details beyond the affidavit. The notice that more information exists came from the defense attorney during proceedings; no further specifics were provided in open court.
Local context and implications
The case has prompted discussion among Chattanooga residents about pool safety, supervision of young children and the responsibilities of caregivers in multi-family housing. Local apartment complexes and homeowner associations routinely post rules regarding pool use; investigators cited those posted guidelines in the affidavit. The allegations, if proven, could carry significant criminal penalties and will be weighed at the preliminary hearing and any subsequent trial.
As the case moves through the Hamilton County criminal justice system, court records and filings will provide more detail. The Nov. 16 preliminary hearing will be the next scheduled public proceeding in the matter.
WE NEWS will continue to follow developments and report any court filings, statements from the district attorney's office, or other official actions as they become available.
