Almost a year after 5-year-old's death, woman charged with murder

Lucas Dillon died of blunt force trauma in Whitwell home, authorities say

February 6, 2016 at 4:59 p.m. | Updated February 6, 2016 at 5:07 p.m.

by Staff Report

Holly Rutledge, 30, also known as Holly Hardesty, is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse in the March 29, 2015 death of 5-year-old Lucas Dillon, of Whitwell, Tenn.
Holly Rutledge, 30, also known as Holly Hardesty, is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse in the March 29, 2015 death of 5-year-old Lucas Dillon, of Whitwell, Tenn.

A Whitwell woman has been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse in the March 2015 death of 5-year-old Lucas Dillon.

Holly Rutledge, also known as Holly Hardesty, was arrested Friday by the Whitwell Police Department and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation after the Marion County grand jury indicted her, according to a TBI news release.

Lucas was severely injured on nearly a year ago at a home on Jewell Lane Road and died March 29 later at a hospital of blunt-force trauma.

The TBI release describes Rutledge as the former girlfriend of the child's father.

The release said the TBI was asked to investigate by12th Judicial District Attorney Mike Taylor.

Rutledge's bond is set at $50,000, the release stated.

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