Blount County Foster Parents Deny Charges in Toddler’s Death, Claim Innocence

A Blount County couple, facing capital murder charges in connection with the death of their 18-month-old foster child, maintain their innocence, asserting that they deeply cared for the boy.

Brooklyn Paige Posey Grimes, 31, and Mason John Grimes, 36, are accused of capital murder, murder, felony murder, and aggravated child abuse involving a child under the age of 6.

In November 2023, the child was brought to a Blount County hospital in a severely emaciated state, unresponsive, and cold to the touch. Tragically, he was pronounced dead upon arrival, according to investigators.

The Grimes, licensed foster parents residing in Blount County but operating under Marshall County jurisdiction, were arrested and booked into the Blount County Jail following grand jury indictments issued on July 24. Both remain in custody.

Mason Grimes is being defended by a team of attorneys, including Richard Jaffe, Michael Hanle, Jonathan Brown, and Jessie Lowe, while Brooklyn Grimes is represented by Brian White and Eric Holloway.

In a statement released to the press, Mason Grimes' legal team argued that their client has been grossly misrepresented. “Mason Grimes is not the heartless person he’s been made out to be,” the statement reads. “He cared for this child deeply, just as he has for the more than 15 other children he and his wife have fostered.”

According to the lawyers, the child suffered from a genetic condition that required feeding through a tube. Despite the difficulties, the Grimes chose to continue caring for the child, making extensive efforts to ensure he received proper medical attention and nourishment.

Richard Jaffe, one of Mason Grimes' attorneys, emphasized that a thorough independent investigation, alongside medical and Department of Human Resources (DHR) records, will prove that his client is innocent. “This tragic event is devastating Mason. We are thankful for the support he has received from his church and community,” the statement concluded.

Brooklyn Grimes’ legal representatives echoed the sentiments expressed by Mason Grimes' attorneys.

Following the couple's arrest, all other children under their care, both adopted and fostered, have been removed from their home.

Court documents reveal that the boy had been placed in the Grimes’ care on August 5, 2022, when he was just three months old. He reportedly thrived under their care for about a year. However, on September 25, 2023, the child was admitted to Children’s of Alabama, where he was diagnosed with multiple congenital disorders, prompting genetic testing.

The child was scheduled for a follow-up appointment at the Birmingham hospital on October 20, 2023, but the Grimes missed the appointment and did not respond to subsequent calls.

On November 22, 2023, the Grimes rushed the boy to St. Vincent’s Blount Hospital, reporting that he had stopped breathing. Medical staff noted the child was severely emaciated, cold to the touch, and had lost nearly half of his body weight. “He was skin and bones,” Sheriff Mark Moon described.

Court records indicate that the child received no medical care after the diagnosis of his congenital conditions.

Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey commented on the severity of the case, stating, “I’ve handled many child abuse cases, but this one is unimaginable. The photos from November 22 are truly heartbreaking.”

Casey emphasized that the child was in dire need of food, medical care, and love, regardless of his congenital anomalies. The couple is scheduled to be arraigned on August 29.