Hallsboro man convicted of felony child abuse in case involving 14-month-old
COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Hallsboro man has been convicted of felony child abuse following a trial in Columbus County.
According to the district attorney’s office, a Columbus County jury on May 7 found Parker Spaulding, 30, guilty of intentional child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury after a trial that began April 28.
Judge J. Greg Bell sentenced Spaulding to 12 to 15 years in prison.
Authorities said the case began in March 2020 when the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office was called to New Hanover Regional Medical Center after a 14-month-old child was brought to the emergency department with broken bones, atypical bruising and significant brain injuries.
At the time, the child was flown to UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill. At Chapel Hill, the child underwent multiple surgeries in an attempt to save its life. The sheriff’s office said the child survived but has suffered permanent, debilitating injuries.
At the time, Spaulding was the boyfriend of the child’s mother, according to prosecutors.
Investigators say Jeanne Spaulding, Kayla Michelle Evers, and Parker Spaulding, were in the residence and responsible for the care and supervision of the child at the time of the incident.
In October of 2025, Kayla Evers, 32, entered an Alford plea of guilt on child abuse charges. She was released in March. Child abuse charges are still pending for Jeanne Spaulding.
