A MOTHER AND FATHER FACE MURDER CHARGES AFTER 4-YEAR-OLD'S FATAL BEATING IN SOMERSET

A mother and father have been charged with murder in the 2024 death of their 4-year-old son at a Franklin Township hotel. Chamyr Harris, 26, of Linden, was arrested on Feb. 24 and charged with first-degree murder and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. The boy’s father, Sean Tate, 36, of Woodbridge, was previously arrested on Feb. 18 and also charged with murder.  

On Feb. 19, police responded to Homewood Suites Hotel after receiving a report of an unresponsive child. Officers found the boy in a bedroom with Tate. Harris told authorities she last saw her son alive two hours earlier, while Tate claimed the child had fallen off a toilet two days before. The boy was transported to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.  

The medical examiner ruled the boy’s death a homicide, citing "homicidal violence." The child was severely emaciated, weighing only 24 pounds, and had multiple injuries, including head trauma, a prolapsed rectum, and bruising consistent with smothering. The autopsy revealed hemorrhages, healing wounds, and internal damage to his intestines.  

Four of the six children present during the incident told investigators that Tate physically beat the boy, leading to his death. Both Tate and Harris remain in custody as the investigation continues. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact law enforcement.