Putnam County, TN- Justin Dixon, age 28, has been charged with felony murder and one count of aggravated child abuse.

On May 4, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office stated Dixon was the caregiver/babysitter of 2-year-old Atlas Copeland, while Atlas’ mother and Dixon’s then-girlfriend Scie Copeland was at work.

Authorities were called to the Copeland residence on Dodson Branch Highway regarding Atlas, who was found unconscious when deputies arrived. Atlas was taken to Vanderbilt Hospital to the care team unit, where the child later died the next morning from injuries from blunt force trauma, deputies said.

On Dec. 5, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office received a True Bill from the Putnam County Criminal Court Grand Jury for Dixon.

On Tuesday, Dec. 6, Dixon was arrested in Hamilton County. Dixon is scheduled to be in court on January 23, 2023 and is on hold with no bond.

Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris stated, “We are all saddened by the result of the events that occurred on May 4, 2022. Please keep the families in your prayers.”