UPDATE, Jan. 30, 2024

On Jan. 30, 2024, Auburn Police Department arrested Mark Edward Watford, age 53, from Auburn, AL on a felony grand jury indictment for felony murder.

Auburn Police Department investigators continued to investigate this case following the initial arrest of the victim’s mother, Kelly West Watford, for felony murder on June 14, 2023. Additional evidence was collected to include forensic evidence from the final post-mortem examination by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences. The case was submitted to the Lee County District Attorney’s Office for presentation to a grand jury.

The case was true billed by the grand jury and Mark Watford’s original charge of aggravated child abuse was upgraded, resulting in an indictment for felony murder. Mark Watford was transported to the Lee County Jail where he is being held on no-bond.

All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Auburn, Ala. - On June 14, 2023, the Auburn Police Department (APD), Auburn Fire Department and Emergency Medical Service personnel responded to the 2200 block of Core Drive in Auburn, AL in reference to a call of a child in medical distress.

Upon arrival, first responders discovered a six-year-old male child unresponsive and not breathing. Responding personnel began life-saving measures in attempts to revive the child. The child was transported to the East Alabama Health (EAH) where additional life-saving measures continued. Despite the efforts of first responders and EAH medical personnel, the child was pronounced deceased by EAH attending physicians.

Auburn Police Department investigators learned of suspicious circumstances surrounding the six-year old’s death. Evidence consistent with a drowning was discovered during both medical treatment and post-mortem examination. In addition, APD investigators learned the child appeared to be extremely malnourished to the extent the six-year-old child weighed approximately 21 pounds. Additional evidence was discovered that supported the child had sustained prolonged willful abuse and maltreatment.

The investigation led to the arrest of the child’s parents, Mark Edward Watford and Kelly West Watford. Mark Watford was charged with aggravated child abuse. Kelly Watford was charged with felony murder. Mark Watford is being held on a $30,000 bond while Kelly Watford is being held on no-bond.

Mark Edward Watford

Kelly West Watford

All defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.