GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Two Goldsboro residents have been arrested and charged following a child abuse investigation involving a 20-month-old child who suffered serious burns, according to authorities.
On May 19, 2026, a 20-month-old juvenile was taken to the emergency department at UNC Health Wayne for treatment of second-degree thermal burns to the body. Due to the severity of the injuries, the child was later transported to UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill for specialized care at a pediatric burn clinic.
The injuries prompted an investigation into possible child abuse.
As a result of the investigation, authorities identified Kenneth Russell and Jasmyne Pace as suspects. Both were arrested on May 29 and appeared before a magistrate judge.
Russell, 36, of Goldsboro, was charged with:
- Felony Child Abuse – Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury
- Felony Child Abuse – Inflicting Serious Physical Injury
- Felony Child Abuse – Gross Negligence Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury
Russell was ordered held without bond.
Pace, 25, of Goldsboro, was charged with:
- Felony Child Abuse – Gross Negligence Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury
She received a $40,000 secured bond.
No additional information regarding the child’s condition has been released.
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