Mother Facing Felony Charges After Toddler Found Dead On Porch In Morganton

MORGANTON, N.C. — A mother in Morganton is facing multiple felony charges after her 3-year-old son was found dead on the front porch of their home.

Jamie Lyn Basinger, 23, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse in the case.

Investigators say someone called 911 after they saw a small child laying on the porch of a home on March 15th.  Deputies found the child, Landyn Michael Melton, dead a short time later in freezing temperatures.

“The entire neighborhood. We’re just devastated,” explains next door neighbor Judy Hensley.

Hensley came outside just after police arrived.

“I saw the little fellow on the porch and they told me he was deceased,” she says.  Police found the front door open but the storm door was closed.

Inside they found the boy’s mother and her boyfriend.

“(Deputies) beat on the door. Woke them up. They were asleep,” explains Burke County Sheriff Steve Whisenant.

He says the two are being cooperative and investigators are still working to determine how the child could have gotten outside.

“It may be purely accidental or it could turn into a homicide,” Whisenant says.

On Facebook, numerous individuals have poured out their condolences for the family, yet others have not been so kind.

Brent Basinger, a family member, stated “I am the one the little boy called paw paw. Landyn Michael Melton was a very sweet boy, one look into his eyes and you would be in love. Lots of people on Facebook have said some good things and bad things. I just wish that anyone that comments about this will remember that a little angel is gone and focus on that part only. We the family are lost and grieving so please think before you reply with negative comments and thank all for the prayers and support.”