From the Montgomery County DA’s Office
PRESS RELEASE
Chase Cannon of Conroe pled guilty yesterday to the intentional murder of Ethan Scott Kirby, a three year old autistic child. Judge Fred Edwards sentenced Mr. Cannon to 50 years in prison pursuant to a recommendation of the District Attorney’s office. On August 21, 2008, Emergency Medical personnel responded to a mobile home in Conroe, Texas and found three year old Chase Cannon unresponsive, having seizures and vomiting uncontrollably. He was lifeflighted to Children’s Memorial Hospital where he died two days later. An autopsy revealed numerous injuries including 79 bruises, cigarette burns to his feet, a broken arm and a fatal subdural hematoma caused by severe blunt trauma to his head.
Hospital personnel immediately notified police due to suspicion of child abuse. The Conroe Police Department identified Chase Cannon as the only individual with access to the child during the time the injuries occurred. Mr. Cannon attempted to convince the investigating officials that the child’s injuries were caused by a common household fall. The number and severity of his injuries were not consistent with accidental trauma and were clearly indicative of intentional abuse. Chase Cannon will not be eligible for parole for 25 years, and the District Attorney’s office is already preparing a packet to submit to the parole board opposing any award of parole in this case.
“It seems that we are seeing an increase in tragic child deaths,” stated District Attorney Brett Ligon. “Let me be clear. Our office will use all the tools in our arsenal to make sure that those that abuse children never have the opportunity to do so again. We have a duty to be a voice for those that no longer have the ability to speak for themselves. Chase Cannon will most likely spend the rest of his life in prison where he belongs, and hopefully this brings the family of Ethan Kirby a small measure of peace in the midst of this terrible tragedy.”
