TAVARES, Fla. – In a tragic case that has captured national attention, a mother facing charges in the death of her 10-year-old son is anticipated to alter her plea. The change is expected to occur early next year.

Earlier this year, Kimberley Mills, alongside her boyfriend Andre Walker, entered pleas of not guilty regarding charges tied to the first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse of young Xavier Williams, whose death in February shocked the community.

If found guilty of first-degree murder, both Mills and Walker could face the death penalty, highlighting the gravity of the accusations against them.

According to a recent filing by the public defender, Mills is scheduled for a plea change and sentencing on January 14, indicating a potential shift in the legal strategy of her defense team.

The couple was taken into custody in February following the tragic events that led them to bring Xavier to the hospital, as reported by law enforcement officials.

Investigators later revealed that they believed the couple left the hospital to go back to their home and do a “hasty cleanup.”

According to detectives, Mills later returned with the boy’s younger brother, who told investigators about how “he and his older brother suffered unspeakable torment.”

Per investigators, a search of the home yielded a ladder, a 10-pound weight, and duct tape — items used to restrain the 10-year-old with his hands above his head while the weight was intentionally dropped onto his exposed torso.

The couple was originally arrested on multiple charges, including aggravated child abuse, after investigators said there was clear evidence in the case, including a ladder, a 10-pound weight, and duct tape they say was used to torment the boy and his younger brother.

Terms of the change of plea from Mills have not been announced and it’s unclear if she would testify against Walker.