A horrifying child-death investigation in Cincinnati, Ohio, has left authorities confronting what one veteran homicide detective described as one of the most disturbing abuse cases of his 21-year career. William “Willie” Evans, a 7-year-old boy with developmental disabilities, was found dead inside a closet at his family home after police responded to the residence.

According to authorities, the child had suffered severe blunt-force trauma to the head, along with extensive injuries reportedly consistent with repeated physical abuse. Investigators are also examining allegations involving burns and other forms of mistreatment, while additional aspects of the case remain under investigation.

William’s mother, Kaitlin Evans, 38, and her two live-in partners, Nessa Keaney, 23, and Kirby Rankin, 33, have all been arrested and charged with murder and child endangerment. Each remains in custody with bond set at more than $1 million as prosecutors begin building the case.

The most heartbreaking detail emerged in court when William’s other biological parent, who has not been charged, confronted Evans. Through tears, the parent said William had been their life and claimed the child had been kept away from them for months. The statement has added another painful dimension to an investigation already raising serious questions about what happened inside the home before police arrived.

But there is another question at the center of the case: who was actually responsible for the fatal injuries? Evans’ attorney has argued that the evidence may show another charged person caused the child’s death, while suggesting Evans’ alleged role could involve a failure to intervene rather than directly inflicting the fatal injuries. Those claims will ultimately be tested in court.

As investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding William’s death, authorities have not ruled out additional possibilities, and the full timeline inside the home remains unclear. The most disturbing clues may not be what happened on the final night, but what investigators believe could have happened to the little boy before anyone finally opened that closet door.