Two Athens women charged in death of child

ATHENS — Athens resident Monica Figueroa was arrested and charged with capital murder Monday in the death of her four-year-old son, Grayson Hurt. At last report, Figueroa was in jail awaiting her initial court appearance. According to Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, at about 6:41 a.m. Monday the Athens Police Department received a call for service to Figueroa’s residence on Mitchell Street in Athens from Mary Johnson, Figueroa’s mother. When officers arrived at the residence, they located Figueroa. Officers entered the residence with emergency medical personnel and found the deceased child inside the door, partially covered with a blanket, according to Hillhouse. Investigators learned that Grayson was killed Sunday afternoon. Upon further investigation, investigators learned that Johnson had actually observed Figueroa on top of a rolled up blanket cutting it with a wooden handled knife. Johnson heard Grayson screaming before she observed Figueroa cutting at the blanket and then the screaming stopped. Figueroa threatened Johnson and instructed her to leave which she did. Johnson returned to the residence the next morning and found Grayson deceased. Johnson then called law enforcement to respond to the residence. Johnson was arrested and transported to the Henderson County Jail where she is currently awaiting arraignment. She’s charged with endangering a child. Bond was set at $250,000. An autopsy has been ordered.

In addition to the Athens Police Department and the Crimes Against Children Task Force, the investigation includes the Henderson County District Attorney’s Office, the Texas Rangers, and Child Protective Services.