Iredell County Couple Charged With Felony Intentional Child Abuse

On Tuesday, July 23, Patrol Deputies with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office responded to 133 Powder Horn Road, north of Mooresville, in reference to assisting with a welfare check on a 10-month-old child. Family members of the infant contacted the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office when they noticed bruises and other unexplained markings on the child’s body.

Deputies along with Iredell County EMS personnel observed several bruises and injuries to the child. The infant was then transported to Iredell Memorial Hospital where medical staff determined the injuries were consistent with physical abuse. The child was then transferred to Brenner’s Children’s Hospital for further evaluation. Medical experts determined the injuries to the child were caused by intentional physical abuse and some of the injuries were consistent with cigarette lighter burns and bite marks.

As a result of evidence collected during the investigation and statements made by the parents of the victim, a man and a woman has been charged with Felony Intentionally Child Abuse causing Serious Bodily Injury.

Martavious Levar Smith, age 29 of Mooresville, was arrested on Saturday, July 27, and transported to the Iredell County Detention Center. He was served with a warrant for Felony Child Abuse Intentionally Causing Serious Bodily Injury. Smith was jailed under a $100,000 secured bond.

Shalisa Monai Lowe, age 31 of Statesville was also arrested on Saturday, July 27, and charged with Felony Child Abuse Intentionally Causing Serious Bodily Injury. Lowe was detained under an $80,000 secured bond.

This investigation is ongoing by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office and the Iredell County Department of Social Services.