Mother Charged Following Child Abuse Investigation
On May 28, 2026, the Kinston Police Department's Investigations Division received information from the Department of Social Services regarding suspected child abuse involving a 12-year-old child.
During the investigation, detectives determined that the child's caregiver and mother, 35-year-old Diamond Coples, failed to provide proper care and necessary medical treatment for the child's injuries. Based on information obtained during the investigation, medical professionals advised that the child's condition was so severe that the child was believed to be near death.
As a result of the investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for Coples on June 6, 2026. She was charged with:
• Felony Child Abuse Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury
On July 8, 2026, Coples was arrested and is currently being processed and booked into the Lenoir County Jail.
The child continues to receive medical treatment and is showing signs of recovery.
This investigation remains ongoing, no additional information will be released at this time.
