Boy, 3, Beaten in Morris County Hotel Dies From Injuries; Man Charged With Murder

The man arrested and accused of assaulting a woman and her 3-year-old son has been additionally charged with murder after the boy died as a result of his injuries, Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp announced.

Maurice Pearson, 26, of Pine Brook, was arrested on Friday, April 10 after allegedly assaulting a woman he was romantically involved with, and her son, at the Knights Inn hotel on Route 46 in Montville.

The boy and his mother were both taken to Morristown Medical Center after the incident. The boy suffered serious injuries, and his mother was released after being treated for her injuries.

A day later, the boy succumbed to his injuries while at the hospital, Knapp said.

Pearson was initially charged with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child, along with aggravated assault of the woman.

Those charges were upgraded Thursday to murder, along with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon, Knapp said.

Pearson’s bail of $100,000 with no 10 percent option was stayed earlier this week after prosecutors claimed the defendant hindered his own apprehension during the investigation, and is a flight risk.

His bail has now been set at $1 million cash, bond, or property. Pearson is currently lodged in Morris County Correctional Facility.

Subscribe to a free email newsletter and breaking news alerts by clicking on the Patch town name:
Long Valley • Mendham-Chester • Morristown • Parsippany • Hackettstown • Morris Township • Jefferson • Hopatcong-Sparta • East Hanover-Florham Park • Madison • Chatham • Montville • Tri-Boro