Man charged with murder in beating death of girlfriend's child

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Wyatt Pruett was found at a home in the Bridgetown subdivision on Roseman Landing around 11 a.m. Tuesday. According to Forsyth officials, Truett, 25, was supposed to be babysitting Pruett. Authorities said the toddler's mom came home to find him unconscious. She called 911 and deputies quickly launched a manhunt for Truett.

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

Truett was charged Wednesday with cruelty to children in the first degree and reckless conduct.

Truett initially told police a dog pushed Pruett down the stairs.

As of Friday, Truett is charged with malice murder, felony murder and aggravated assault.

“My daughter is going through a lot right now. Right now, her other son is not with her and then the trauma of Wyatt’s death this is all very hard on my daughter right now,” said the victim’s grandfather, Christopher Shoemaker.

The Forsyth County sheriff said deputies also found what look like meth at the house.

"Where does somebody who can damage a 3-year-old child like this come from?” Shoemaker said.

A neighbor told Channel 2's Jeff Dore the Pruett’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.

Pruett's funeral is Monday. Shoemaker said  people can help with funeral costs by making donations at any First Citizen's Bank under the Memorial for Wyatt Fund.

WSBTV