Crime Junkie MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF: Joseph “Jo-Jo” King III
Mar 30, 2026
A six-year-old found unresponsive sparks questions about a toy chest explanation and conflicting scene details. Investigators probe wet evidence, timeline inconsistencies, and prior abuse history. Tests on the chest and an amended autopsy raise the possibility of drowning. Legal battles and systemic failures leave answers unresolved.
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2019 School Report Revealed Prior Belt Beatings
- In March 2019 JoJo arrived at school with loop-shaped bruises and told teachers Brandon Hale beat him with a belt.
- DFPS substantiated abuse, Brandon was indicted for injury to a child and later got deferred adjudication probation.
Systemic Gaps Blocked Custody Intervention
- Joseph King Jr. tried to get custody after DFPS substantiated abuse but was told children aren't removed in such situations and a judge wouldn't sign a protective order.
- The system left him with no legal, safe way to remove JoJo other than becoming a noncustodial fugitive.
Inconsistent Timeline And CPR Claims
- Brandon's timeline shifted from a short nap to sleeping most of the afternoon and his CPR claims conflicted with dispatcher and EMS notes.
- Dispatch told him to start compressions, EMS recorded he wasn't doing compressions when they arrived.