A man faces murder charges after taking responsibility for the cold case murder of his 3-year-old stepson in Berks County in 2003, investigators said.
David Charles Cummings, 50, was charged with murder in the death of William Spayd in Reading in July 2003.
According to an affidavit, Cummings told investigators that “his death was my responsibility, totally.”
Spayd was transported from his Reading home to Saint Joseph’s Hospital in the early morning hours on July 27, 2003.
The young boy was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
In addition, investigators said a forensic pathologist identified evidence that the child was sexually assaulted.
Investigators said Cummings was interviewed on July 2 of this year and gave a statement admitting to the death of Spayd.
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The affidavit says Cummings told investigators he was in a “dead sleep” when the boy kept poking him, which woke Cummings out of his sleep. Cummings told investigators he punched the child in the forehead, knocking him into a dresser. The affidavit states Cummings went back to sleep, but later woke up and heard the victim throwing up inside a bathroom.
The affidavit states Cummings checked on the boy and he “was cold.” A short time, Cummings called 911.
Cummings was already in custody in SCI Graterford on unrelated charges.
He has been charged with Murder of the 1st Degree, Murder of the 3rd Degree, Aggravated Assault, Rape, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse and Endangering Welfare of a Child.
