LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — The father of one of the children killed after playing in a large dirt pit in Lincoln County has been charged with two counts felony involuntary manslaughter, according to a news release from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
Warrants were served Thursday on Jordan Keely Arwood, 31, of Stanley, when he turned himself in at the Sheriff’s Office.
Following an investigation, detectives determined that Arwood showed culpable negligence in the deaths of James Levi Caldwell, 7, and Chloe Jade Arwood, 6. On April 7, the children had been playing in a large dirt pit while Arwood was working at the site using a backhoe to dig and move dirt.
One wall of the pit collapsed, trapping the young children underneath. It took rescuers and emergency services personnel more than 12 hours to locate the bodies of the children.
Arwood was arrested and placed in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center under a $15,000 secured bond.
“As our investigation continues in this case, we are obligated by law to protect the rights of the two innocent victims that lost their lives on that day. This has been a very tragic event and we continue to pray for all persons involved with this as our investigation is turned over to the courts. At the request of our district attorney, no other statements will be made at this time,” said Sheriff David Carpenter.
