Thread by @isabellacueto, Here is "Losing Brooks," our series on the mysterious death of 21-month-old [...]

Here is "Losing Brooks," our series on the mysterious death of 21-month-old Brooks Martin, the investigations that followed, and the people damaged by a dysfunctional, opaque criminal justice system.

The story starts here, chapter 1: https://www.thestate.com/news/local/article245755875.html#storylink=mainstage_lead

Was it an accident, or was he killed? SC parents haunted by son’s death 10 years later

Brooks Martin loved dancing to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and watching Gamecocks baseball on TV with his dad. He rode his dog, Boomer, like a horse and enjoyed eating Chick-fil-A nuggets. He was the...

https://www.thestate.com/news/local/article245755875.html#storylink=mainstage_lead

In chapter 2, police begin investigating Brooks' death after medical staff warn that the story of how the boy was hurt doesn't match the severity of his injuries. https://www.thestate.com/news/local/article245755895.html

Would SC parents be left with closure or more questions after probe into son’s death?

She slept with his clothes so she wouldn’t forget her baby’s scent. While Lexington County detectives and a pathologist investigated, all the boy’s father could think about were the words told to him...

https://www.thestate.com/news/local/article245755895.html

In chapter 3, state police get involved, and a seasoned child death investigator contradicts the sheriff's department's findings. Tensions flare at a crucial meeting of top brass. https://www.thestate.com/news/local/article245755910.html

SC parents lost hope in probe of son’s death. Would a top SLED agent bring justice?

Their child was dead and no authorities seemed to care. After weeks of calling SLED, his father left a message: “The next call you get is going to be from your lobby and you’re gonna have to come out...

https://www.thestate.com/news/local/article245755910.html

Chapter 4: The makings of a flawed case. The errors along the way – starting right after 911 was called on the morning of Nov. 5, 2010. https://www.thestate.com/news/local/article245755925.html

Would there be a trial? SC parents left with choice as officials argue over son’s death

Conflicting evidence. A fired prosecutor. Clashing officials. Was the death of Brooks Martin a homicide, and would exhuming his body lead to new clues? This Chapter 4 of “Losing Brooks” by The State.

https://www.thestate.com/news/local/article245755925.html

Chapter 5: What lies in the wake. What could've been different?

Everyone tries to move on, but a South Carolina law keeps the Martins from closure. They can't know what investigators found – records about Brooks' death are shielded from the public. https://www.thestate.com/news/local/article245755935.html

‘The system didn’t help them.’ Would SC child’s death be handled differently today?

Years after the death of nearly-2-year-old Brooks Martin, the final autopsy report was changed. Manner of death: Homicide. But how would the boy’s parents find closure and rebuild their lives?

https://www.thestate.com/news/local/article245755935.html

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