WEBB CITY, MO — In a deeply disturbing case that has shocked the community of Jasper County, Heaven Leigh Jacques, of Webb City, Missouri, has been arrested and taken into custody in connection with a brutal case of child abuse involving her 4-year-old son. Authorities confirmed that Jacques is currently being held at the Jasper County Jail on a $50,000 cash/surety bond or $7,500 cash bond.
According to the probable cause statement, the investigation revealed that Jacques was aware her young son—identified as “Victim One”—was being physically assaulted, yet she did nothing to intervene or prevent the abuse. The child, just four years old, sustained severe injuries including bruising across his head, neck, arms, back, and other areas of his body. Reports state the abuse included kicking, choking, and punching—a horrifying reality that has left residents reeling.
Jacques now faces the charge of Endangering the Welfare of a Child in the Second Degree, a serious offense under Missouri law. According to state statute, this charge applies to individuals who, through criminal negligence or reckless behavior, create a substantial risk to the life or health of a child. When committed as part of an act involving multiple individuals or a recurring pattern, it can escalate to a Class E felony.
The Statute: Endangering the Welfare of a Child – Second Degree
As defined under Missouri law:
A person commits this offense if, as a parent or guardian, they recklessly fail or refuse to exercise reasonable diligence in the care or control of a child to prevent harm. This includes failure to prevent physical abuse, or knowingly placing the child in an environment that leads to abuse.
This crime is typically classified as a Class A misdemeanor, but may be elevated to a Class E felony if it is part of a pattern of abuse or involves multiple individuals acting in concert.
Co-Arrest Made: James Uel Choate III
The individual believed to be directly responsible for inflicting the physical abuse has also been arrested. James Uel Choate III is currently being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond, indicating the severity of the allegations against him. While detailed charges against Choate have not yet been officially released, sources confirm he is the alleged perpetrator of the physical assaults on the child.
Authorities have confirmed that Choate is in custody, and the investigation into the full extent of his involvement is ongoing. Law enforcement officials are expected to release further details in the coming days as the case progresses.
Community Outrage and Ongoing Investigation
News of this horrific abuse has sparked widespread outrage throughout the Webb City and greater Jasper County area. Many community members are demanding justice for the young victim, and local child welfare agencies are working closely with authorities to ensure the child receives proper medical and psychological care moving forward.
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Webb City Police, and Child Protective Services are all involved in the ongoing investigation.
Statement from Authorities
“While all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty, the nature and extent of the injuries suffered by this child are both shocking and heartbreaking,” a spokesperson for local law enforcement said. “This case will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Authorities are urging anyone with further information about this case or other potential instances of abuse involving the suspects to come forward.
Ongoing Coverage
This is a developing story. We will continue to follow this case closely and provide updates as soon as more information becomes available regarding court proceedings, charges, and the welfare of the child victim.
Stay tuned for continued coverage as we seek justice for an innocent child who suffered unthinkable harm.
If you suspect child abuse, contact your local authorities or call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).