FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—June 19, 2012

Brevard Grand Jury Returns First-degree Murder Indictment

In Child Abuse Death

The Brevard County Grand Jury returned a first-degree felony murder indictment today (June 19) against Charles Leroy Foster Jr., 23, Cocoa, for the May 23 death of 23-month-old Kearra Lewis who he was baby-sitting. He was also indicted on aggravated child abuse.

Foster was watching the near two-year-old, her four-year-old brother, and one other child on May 21 at a home at 5255 Burgess Ave., Cocoa. He had served as an occasional baby-sitter for the siblings and other child for a few months, said Assistant State Attorney Michael Hunt.

The jurors heard testimony from the Brevard County Medical Examiner and an agent with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office before they returned the indictment.

Foster was arrested on May 24 and remains held at the Brevard County Jail.