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Forsyth deputies probe toddler beating death

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth deputies say a woman's boyfriend will be charged in the beating death of her 3-year-old son.

The child was found at a home in the Bridgetown subdivision on Roseman Landing around 11 a.m. According to Forsyth officials, the man was supposed to be babysitting the child. Authorities said the toddler's mom came home to find him unconscious. She called 911 and deputies quickly launched a manhunt for her boyfriend.

They tracked him down and took him into custody around 1:45 p.m. near Georgia 400 and Browns Bridge Road in Cumming.

"It was very gratifying. All of our men and women in every division was represented out here and we had the perimeter set up very quickly, which helped contain the suspect, preventing him from getting any further," said Forsyth County Sheriff's Major Rick Doyle.

Channel 2's Mike Petchenik spoke to neighbors about the shocking ordeal.

"It's sad; something you don't expect to hear about in our neighborhood," one neighbor said.

The community is packed with children, so the news that a 3-year-old died really hit home.

"It's sad and it's upsetting because this is a really fantastic community to live in," said Missy Chisenhall.

Another neighbor told Channel 2's Jeff Dore the victim's mom was not a permanent resident, but was staying temporarily with her father.

"I don't know the people, and frankly, (killings) do not happen here. It's really a family-oriented neighborhood," said June Gray.

Neighbor Joey Downes is trying to figure out how he's going to explain the death to his kids.

Authorities have not released the names of the parties involved in the death investigation.

A prayer vigil will be held for the 3-year-old at the Bridgetown subdivision at 7 p.m.