“Light of Our Life”: Oakley Grandparents Speak After 7-Year-Old’s Death

William Michael Evans-Ellis, a bright and energetic 7-year-old who loved Lego, Hot Wheels and video games, was found dead in his Oakley home on Aug. 6. His grandparents, Tina and Michael Evans, who had welcomed him to their house every weekend and kept a decorated "Magic Box" of weekly surprises for him, are now grieving and searching for answers.

Kaitlin Evans, 38, appears for an arraignment inside courtroom A, Friday, Aug. 7, at the Hamilton County Justice Center in downtown Cincinnati. Evans faces a murder charge after the death of a 7-year-old child in Oakley on Aug. 6.

What Authorities Say

Police responded to a report involving William’s mother’s partner and, upon entering the Madison Road residence, discovered the boy dead, bound with duct tape and showing signs of severe abuse. William’s mother, Kaitlin Evans, her partner Kirby Rankin, and house resident Nessa Keaney have been arrested and charged with murder and child endangerment in connection with his death. All three remain in custody on bonds reported at a combined $1.1 million.

An investigation at a home on Madison Road in Oakley is underway after officials said a child was found dead on Aug. 6, 2026.

Family Background and Recent Moves

William was born to Kaitlin Evans and another parent, Tara Ellis, who the family says transitioned to female when William was about 4. The child grew up in Finneytown and later moved to the Oakley home on Madison Road after a water leak and mold issue at his previous residence. The household included Kaitlin, William, Rankin and Keaney after Ellis moved out following a dispute.

Kirby Rankin, 33, appears for an arraignment inside courtroom A, Friday, Aug. 7, at the Hamilton County Justice Center in downtown Cincinnati. Rankin is facing a murder charge after the death of a 7-year-old child in Oakley on Aug. 6.

Grandparents’ Memories

Michael and Tina Evans described William as the “light of our life.” He regularly spent Fridays through most Sundays at his grandparents’ home, where a large shoebox decorated with Hot Wheels packaging — the "Magic Box" — awaited a small surprise on each visit. The grandparents’ last visit occurred on July 12, when they were briefly allowed into the Madison Road home after being told they could not see him. They recall hugging him, telling him they loved him and hearing him say he loved them in return.

William Michael Evans-Ellis, 7, with his aunt Alli Evans at Skyline on June 26, 2026.

Next Steps

Authorities continue to investigate. Funeral and memorial arrangements have not been announced. The family is left to grieve while seeking answers about how their grandson came to be separated from them and later found dead.

“William was the light of our life,” Michael Evans said. “We will never get over losing him or stop imagining the pain and terror that he must have endured.”