Ex-AGT Star DeShundre Vinson Charged with First-Degree Murder in Tragic Family Death
A former America's Got Talent contestant, DeShundre Vinson, has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse in connection with the drowning death of his four-year-old nephew. Vinson allegedly left the child unsupervised at an apartment complex pool, leading to the tragic incident. He made his first court appearance, with a preliminary hearing now set for November 16.
A 22-year-old former 2025 America’s Got Talent contestant,DeShundre Vinson, recently made his initial court appearance on Tuesday morning, September 8.
Vinson, who performed with the Chicago-based R&B vocal group CitiLimitz on the show last year, has been charged with first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated child abuse following the drowning death of his four-year-old nephew.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred on August 16 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The Police stated that Vinson was responsible for babysitting his four-year-old nephew, the child’s six-year-old brother, and other children on that day.
Investigators detailed in an affidavit that Vinson allowed the two young boys to walk approximately two-tenths of a mile to an apartment complex pool without any adult supervision.
Police were already present at the apartment complex for an unrelated call when officers heard screams emanating from the pool area.
Upon arrival, they found bystanders performing CPR on the four-year-old after a good Samaritan had pulled the child from the water.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators reportedly showed the child walking from the edge of the pool into deeper water, visibly struggling before going underwater.
The affidavit indicates the boy remained submerged for approximately nine minutes. The child was rushed to a local hospital but tragically died on August 21.
Following the drowning, Vinson and the person holding the apartment lease reportedly left the area and could not be located by police.
Authorities eventually spotted Vinson two and a half weeks later at a different Chattanooga residence, where he was promptly taken to the Hamilton County jail, and his bond was subsequently set at $750,000.
According to News 9 ABC and 9 News, investigators noted in the affidavit that Vinson had sent messages to the boys’ mother, acknowledging his lack of supervision of the children at the pool and admitting to a delayed response to the drowning.
The pool reportedly displayed a sign warning that children under 14 should not use it without an adult nearby.
Vinson, who performs under the name Dre, and his cousins Marionn and A.T., impressed AGT judges Howie Mandel and Mel B with their cover of K-Ci and JoJo’s “All My Life,” earning a standing ovation before their elimination in the quarterfinal rounds.
In his court appearance, Vinson waived the ten-day rule, which typically requires a preliminary hearing within 10 days for defendants unable to make bond. A preliminary hearing is now scheduled for November 16.