Couple plead not guilty in child's death

CRESTVIEW — Grant Sherwin and Nichole Allen pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of aggravated child abuse by aggravated battery and child neglect.

They are accused of being responsible for the Dec. 29 death of Logan, Sherwin’s 2-year-old son.

State Attorney Bobby Elmore said the charges could be amended depending on the findings of an autopsy conducted by the medical examiner’s office.

Crestview police responded to a 911 call to the couple’s home on Pinellas Drive on Dec. 28. They reported finding the child malnourished and with bruising on his feet, forehead, lower legs, both arms and around his spinal column.

There also was a large bump on the front side of the child’s head, police said.

Sherwin reportedly told an officer that his son was potty trained and that he fell and hit his head while using the bathroom by himself.

Investigators reported that they found the toilet lid in the home broken in three pieces.

Police also said there was little food in the house and estimated the child weighed a little more than 20 pounds.

Sherwin also told police his son had fallen while playing in the yard on the day of his death and received a “fat lip.”

Sherwin told investigators the boy cried a little but said he was OK and went back to play.

Sherwin and Allen are scheduled to go to trial March 26. Allen’s attorney indicated the dates could be subject to change.