ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Editor's Note: This story discusses domestic violence, which may include descriptions of violent acts. Reader discretion is advised.
The Rowan County Sheriff's Office has arrested a man they say caused his own son's death after assaulting his pregnant ex-girlfriend earlier in the month.
Deputies say 42-year-old Raymond Jerel Callicutt assaulted his ex-girlfriend on Nov. 11 at her home near the Atwell community. A verbal argument reportedly turned physical, and Callicutt's ex would go to a hospital a few days later with concerning symptoms.
The sheriff's office said the baby boy, named Josiah, was born 24 weeks prematurely on November 14, 2023, and lived for just shy of 12 hours before passing away. An autopsy on baby Josiah found injuries to his liver, brain, heart, and lungs. Those injuries, along with the injuries suffered by his mother, were recorded. A medical examiner ruled Josiah's death as a homicide due to blunt force trauma from an assault.
Detectives said they were able to gather enough evidence and obtained a charge of murdering an unborn child against Callicutt on Nov. 27, 2023. He had already been arrested 10 days earlier and served with warrants for breaking into his ex-girlfriend's home on Nov. 14.
Callicutt remains in jail with no bond. He is set for an initial court appearance on Nov. 29.
If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence, help is readily available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Resources for help are available in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshot of the suspect in this case because of the nature of the alleged crime.