By Chris O’Neil
Trash Media Group
May 6, 2025
WATERTOWN — A Watertown man and his partner have been formally charged in the death of a 2-year-old girl following a months-long investigation into what authorities now confirm was a homicide.
According to a press release issued Monday by the Watertown Police Department, 36-year-old Thomas Everett Rose II and 24-year-old Sarah Mikaylah Waterman have been indicted in connection with the December 2024 death of Aurora Wiles, the child of Waterman.
Police responded to 935 State Street, Apartment 1, at 10:52 a.m. on December 6 for a report of an unconscious and unresponsive child. Upon arrival, they found the toddler deceased. The Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office later determined the cause of death to be blunt force trauma, describing the circumstances as suspicious.
The case was brought before a Jefferson County grand jury by the District Attorney’s Office, resulting in multiple indictment warrants signed by Judge David Renzi.
Rose, who was already in custody at the Jefferson County Correctional Facility on unrelated charges, was formally charged on May 1 with murder in the second degree, manslaughter in both the first and second degrees, assault in the first degree, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He is being held on $100,000 bail.
Waterman, who resides at 25536 James Street in Calcium, was charged with criminally negligent homicide and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. She is being held on $15,000 bail.
Investigators say both individuals were arraigned in Jefferson County Court following the indictment.
The case has involved a broad coalition of law enforcement and child welfare agencies, including the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Jefferson County and Onondaga County medical examiner offices, Guilfoyle Ambulance, Jefferson County Child Protective Services, and the Child Advocacy Center of Northern New York.
Police did not release further information about the timeline or circumstances that led to Aurora’s fatal injuries. However, the severity and range of charges against both defendants suggest an ongoing and violent environment in which the child suffered.
Both Rose and Waterman are expected to appear in court in the coming weeks as the legal process continues.
The Watertown Police Department urges anyone with further information about the case to contact investigators.
Timeline of Events
December 6, 2024 — Watertown Police respond to 935 State St. at 10:52 a.m. for reports of an unconscious toddler. Aurora Wiles is found dead at the scene.
December 2024 – April 2025 — A multi-agency investigation is conducted. The Onondaga County Medical Examiner rules the cause of death as blunt force trauma.
May 1, 2025 — A Jefferson County Grand Jury issues indictment warrants for Thomas Everett Rose II and Sarah Waterman. Both are formally charged in Jefferson County Court.
May 6, 2025 — Watertown Police publicly announce the arrests and charges.
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