Life in prison for a child abuser who killed her 7-month-old daughter, Addyson Tuckus. This week, a Lexington County jury found Heather Marie Lawson guilty of Homicide by Child Abuse for causing Addyson's death. Solicitor Rick Hubbard commented that "our office has worked tirelessly over the years to bring murderers like Lawson to justice while giving a voice to our voiceless." The hard work of Deputy Solicitor Suzanne Mayes and Assistant Solicitor Robby McNair resulted in justice being served for this innocent baby. 

We are grateful for the excellent investigative work conducted by Detective Adam Creech and Sgt. Traci Barr of the Lexington County Sheriff's Department Special Victims Unit. CSI Investigator Mike Phipps conducted key forensic analysis of Lawson's phone.

On the afternoon of June 26, 2016, first responders were called to the Lawson residence to find Addyson lifeless with large areas of bruising to her head. An autopsy revealed that Addyson died as a result of blunt force trauma due to repeated blows to her head.  Dr. Ross, the forensic pathologist, testified the injuries were consistent with a blunt instrument, such as a fist. Medical experts determined her injuries to various locations on the front, top, & back of her head were not caused by a fall or accident. Lawson was the only caregiver with Addyson during the time period of her death. 

"This conviction is yet another example of what we can accomplish when our prosecutors and law enforcement work together for justice," according to Solicitor Hubbard. Lawson will spend the rest of her life in the South Carolina Department of Corrections without the possibility of parole.