Rotterdam Couple Charged In Death Of 4 Year Old

The tragic death of a four-year-old foster child in Rotterdam led to the arrest of both of his foster parents.

Four-year-old Charlie and his five-year-old brother were placed by Child Protective Services of Albany County Department of Social Services into the care of foster parents Dequan Greene and Latrisha Greene in September of 2020. Both children were taken from their biological parents by the Albany Family Court.

With only a few days until Christmas, there was no way for anyone to know that Charlie would not live to see Christmas Day. Sadly, Charlie’s life ended on December 20, 2020.

Authorities advise that the Rotterdam Police Department worked along with the Schenectady County District Attorney’s Office to investigate the boy’s tragic death and to present their evidence to a Grand Jury.

Law enforcement officials investigated the incident and found that Mr. Greene did not seek medical attention for the child, instead he called his wife. When Mrs. Greene returned to their home, she called 911 for help.

When paramedics arrived at the location, they found the child unresponsive and not breathing. They rushed him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Charlie’s five-year-old brother was also taken to the hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

Authorities say that Mr. Greene gave conflicting stories on how the boy was injured, but his stories were not consistent with the injuries the child sustained. Doctors say that Charlie died from extensive internal injury to his liver and intestines caused by blunt force trauma.

Yesterday Dequan Greene was arrested and charged with Second-Degree Murder (Felony), First-degree Manslaughter (Felony), Second-degree Assault (Felony), and two counts of Endangering The Welfare of a Child (Misdemeanor). He was taken into custody by the Rotterdam Police Department.

Latrisha Greene was arrested and charged with Endangering The Welfare of a Child (Misdemeanor), and Tampering With Physical Evidence (Felony). She was processed and released.