FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 4, 2026

Canton Police Arrest Man in Death of Two-Year-Old Child

CANTON, Ga. – On Monday, August 3, 2026, at approximately 11:29 a.m., officers with the Canton Police Department responded to a residence in the 300 block of Cartersville Street after receiving a report of an unresponsive two-year-old child.

Upon arrival, Canton Police officers and Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services personnel immediately rendered aid. The child was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The Canton Police Detective Unit assumed responsibility for the investigation. Detectives interviewed Celso Edison Vicente Y Vicente, 22, of Canton, who was identified as the live-in boyfriend of the child's mother. During the course of the investigation, detectives developed probable cause to obtain arrest warrants.

Detectives also obtained search warrants for the residence and a vehicle associated with the investigation. The search warrants were executed with the assistance of the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Unit.

At approximately 7:00 p.m. on August 3, 2026, Vicente Y Vicente was arrested by the Canton Police Department and charged with:

Malice Murder (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-1)
Cruelty to Children in the First Degree (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-70)

Vicente Y Vicente was transported to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center, where he remains in custody.

An autopsy will be conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Medical Examiner's Office to determine the official cause and manner of death.

The identity of the child is not being released at this time out of respect for the family and due to the sensitive nature of this investigation.

The Canton Police Department appreciates the professionalism and assistance provided by the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Unit, the Cherokee County District Attorney's Office, Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Medical Examiner's Office throughout this investigation.

"The death of a child is heartbreaking, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic loss," said Chief Marty Ferrell. "Our detectives have worked diligently to conduct a thorough and professional investigation. We remain committed to protecting the integrity of this case and allowing the judicial process to move forward."

This remains an active criminal investigation. Because this case involves a juvenile victim and pending criminal charges, no additional details regarding the evidence or circumstances surrounding the child's death are being released at this time.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective Erin Fulenwider of the Canton Police Detective Unit by calling the Canton Police Department at (770) 720-4883 or by email at erin.fulenwider@cantonga.gov

All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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CONTACT:
Officer Pacer Cordry
Strategic Engagement Officer
Canton Police Department
151 Elizabeth St | Canton, GA 30114
Mobile: 470-302-1026
Office: 770.720.4883
pacer.cordry@cantonga.gov