ANDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. (Story Courtesy of WVLT) – Two people in Anderson County are facing aggravated child abuse and reckless homicide charges. The indictments for Payton Bridges and James Cain, both 28, were filed Tuesday.
Details are scarce, but the court filings said that Bridges and Cain abused a child under eight years old. That abuse affected the child’s welfare, the indictments said.
The fillings also said Cain and Bridges killed a person the same day, though the documents did not specifically say the homicide victim and the child are the same person.
According to the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, the two were arrested after an investigation that began in July of 2024 when the sheriff’s office learned about an infant’s death in the Dutch Valley community.
“Our prayers go out to the extended family of this child,” Sheriff Russell Barker said Wednesday morning. “This case represents an unthinkable tragedy, and our hearts remain with the family. Our investigators have worked tirelessly since July to uncover the truth and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. We are committed to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our community.”
The two are set to appear in court virtually on Dec. 8.
