A devastating case of abuse has led to first-degree murder charges in Opelousas, Louisiana. A mother and father, both teenagers, are now in custody. The charges relate to the death of their 2-month-old daughter.
Police were called to a home on the evening of October 25. The call reported a medical emergency. The infant was found unresponsive. Responders tried desperately to save her life. She was rushed to a local hospital but was tragically pronounced dead.
Autopsy Reveals ‘Severe’ Abuse
An autopsy delivered shocking findings. The infant had suffered “severe neglect and physical abuse,” according to the Opelousas Police Department. The report detailed horrific injuries.
The child was suffering from extreme dehydration and malnourishment. The abuse included several broken rib bones. Most distressingly, the infant had a severed lower spine. This injury caused internal bleeding. That internal bleeding was the ultimate cause of the child’s death.
Suspects Arrested
Arrest warrants were quickly issued for the parents. Kaylee Fontenot and Taylor Broussard, both 18, were charged with first-degree murder, cruelty to juveniles, and second-degree battery.
Police successfully located and arrested Fontenot shortly after the warrants were issued. Broussard initially remained at large. However, police confirmed in a November 3 update that the father eventually turned himself in.
Police Chief Graig LeBlanc stressed that the investigation remains active and ongoing. The community is reeling from the senseless brutality of the crime.