A Virginia father and his mother have been charged in connection with the death of a 3-year-old boy who was trapped beneath a tractor after it overturned. The incident, which occurred on April 23 in Bristol, Virginia, has led to felony homicide charges and allegations of child abuse and neglect.
Details of the Tractor Accident
Austin Tester, 21, was driving a farm tractor with his young son seated on his lap when the tractor overturned onto the boy, trapping him underneath. Instead of immediately calling for emergency help, Austin reportedly contacted his mother, Kelly Tester, at around 11:17 a.m. The mother arrived at the scene within minutes, but neither adult contacted 911 for more than 20 minutes, according to authorities.
The delay in calling emergency services lasted 22 minutes, during which time the pair allegedly did not seek help for the critically injured child. It was only after this significant delay that the first 911 call was made. Emergency responders arrived 31 minutes after the crash.
By the time they reached the scene, first responders had to work together to lift the tractor and remove the child, who was then immediately taken to a nearby hospital. Tragically, the boy succumbed to his injuries shortly afterward.
Cause of Death and Investigation Findings
An autopsy revealed that the child’s cause of death was asphyxiation, and investigators determined that the delay in contacting emergency services significantly impacted the ability to provide life-saving measures. This delay has been a focal point in the ongoing investigation.
Austin Tester reportedly fled the scene before authorities arrived, which led police to begin searching for him. He was later found at a residence belonging to his mother, Kelly Tester, in Bristol. Authorities also discovered that Kelly Tester allegedly provided false information to law enforcement and helped conceal her son’s whereabouts.
Charges and Arrests
Austin Tester and Kelly Tester have both been charged with felony homicide in the death of the child. They also face charges of felony child abuse and neglect. Additionally, Kelly Tester faces a charge of obstruction of justice. Austin Tester had an outstanding probation violation related to a prior drug-related offense, which he reportedly cited as the reason for fleeing the scene.
Both individuals were arrested and booked without bond. Austin Tester is being held at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority, while Kelly Tester is being held at the Abingdon Facility of the same jail.
Reactions to the Incident
Bristol Police Chief D. Byron Ashbrook expressed deep concern over the tragic event, stating, “This is a heartbreaking and tragic incident. Our thoughts are with the family during this incredibly difficult time. This investigation revealed a significant delay in contacting emergency services, which is deeply concerning.”
The case has drawn attention due to the delay in seeking help, raising questions about the actions of the adults involved and the impact this had on the child’s survival chances.
