Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD – Two Watertown residents are now facing felony charges in Codington County following a child abuse investigation that began on October 24, 2025, after a minor was treated at Prairie Lakes Hospital for extensive injuries.
The two individuals charged in connection with the case are:
| Individual | Age | Primary Charges | Bond Set |
| Davon Scott Walton | 25 | Abuse or Cruelty to a Minor (Class 4 Felony) and Aggravated Assault Domestic – Strangulation (Class 3 Felony) | $5,000 Cash (Motion to Revoke Filed) |
| Taylor Ann Merkel | 30 | Child Abuse (Victim Greater than Seven Years) (Class 4 Felony) | $5,000 Cash or Surety |
Initial Allegations and Injuries
The investigation began on the evening of October 24, 2025, when the Watertown Police Department was called to Prairie Lakes Hospital regarding a report of possible child abuse. Medical staff were treating a 7-year-old child, identified with only the initials, for extensive bruising and possible internal injuries.
The child’s mother, Taylor Ann Merkel, initially brought the child to the hospital for flu-like symptoms. When questioned about the extensive bruising, the mother initially stated the injuries were sustained when the minor fell down the stairs earlier that week.
Medical personnel advised officers that the nature and pattern of the injuries were inconsistent with a fall down a flight of stairs. The child displayed bruising on the back, sides, chest, face, and legs, along with a large soft tissue injury above the left hip. A detective noted that causing the level of bruising on the soft tissue above the hip would require a “substantial amount of force”.
Detectives inspected the residence and did not observe anything on the staircase that would have caused the distinct bruising on the child’s back. Police records also indicate a previous Child Protective Services (CPS) report from July 2025, where the child allegedly stated that Walton had put a pillow over his face, making it difficult for him to breathe.
Taylor Ann Merkel Charged
Taylor Ann Merkel, 30, was formally charged on October 27, 2025, with Child Abuse (Victim Greater than Seven Years), a Class 4 Felony. The complaint specifies the offense occurred on or about October 14, 2025.
A warrant for Merkel’s arrest was issued, setting her bond at $5,000 cash or surety. A key condition of her bond is a no-contact order with the minor victim, C.M. (Date of Birth: 04/28/2018).
Davon Scott Walton Charged with Felony Assault and Bond Violation
Davon Scott Walton, 25, was the first individual arrested in the case and charged with:
- Abuse or Cruelty to a Minor (Victim 7+ Years), a Class 4 Felony.
- Aggravated Assault Domestic – Strangulation, a Class 3 Felony.
Following his initial arrest, Magistrate Judge Gary W. Schumacher set Walton’s bond at $5,000 cash19. This bond included a mandatory no direct or indirect contact order with the minor victim, “CM,” and Taylor Merkel.
However, the Codington County State’s Attorney’s Office subsequently filed an affidavit alleging that Walton violated this no-contact order shortly after his release. The office reported that on or about October 25 and October 26, 2025, Walton had contact with Taylor Merkel via four separate phone calls22.
As a result, Walton was arrested a second time and charged with four (4) counts of Violation of No Contact Bond Condition, each a Class 1 Misdemeanor. The State’s Attorney’s Office has also filed a Motion to Revoke Bond in the original felony case, requesting that the court revoke Walton’s $5,000 cash bond due to alleged violations of the court-ordered conditions.
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