A 12-year-old Louisiana girl was arrested for allegedly killing her 6-month-old baby brother after the infant was found “not breathing” at home. Paramedics were called to a house in Luling on November 15 after being alerted to a medical emergency, but the baby was unable to be revived and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Now, his 12-year-old sister is being charged with first-degree murder, Sheriff’s Office spokesman Cpl. James Grimaldi revealed, as reported by NOLA.com.
- The baby’s death was ruled a homicide. While it’s natural to imagine that perhaps a horrible freak accident is to blame for the baby boy’s death, an autopsy proved otherwise. While neither the Sheriff’s Office nor the St. Charles Parish Coroner’s Office would release the cause of death, WWL-TV claims that they were told the child had been hit.
- His sister was arrested a couple of days later. Police were able to obtain a first-degree murder warrant, which is defined as a killing of a victim under the age of 12 according to the state, and the 12-year-old was taken into custody. However, news on the arrest wasn’t revealed until three days later due to ongoing investigation.
- Police are urging the public to go easy on the family. Another reason authorities waited so long to release news of the crime and arrest is the victim and the suspect’s young age. The family hopes that the public will avoid judging them, especially the kids’ mother, as she’s going through an incredible loss. “This is a mother who’s lost two children, not just one. That’s both of her children,” said the children’s aunt, Nicole Brown. “People are very, very judgmental. But sometimes, you’ve got to look within. It could be you tomorrow.
- A criminal defense attorney thinks a first-degree murder charge is too harsh. As New Orleans attorney Gregory Carter explained, 12-year-olds can’t drink or drive or even vote, so to imagine the sister capable of such a horrible, premeditated act was hard to swallow. “To believe they’re culpable and capable of making the kind of decision that would warrant a first-degree murder charge seems like overkill,” said Carter, who’s not connected to the case.
- The girl’s family seems to be standing by her side. Her aunt, Nicole Brown, insisted that all was well with the family and the girl had no problems with the baby. “He was perfect. He was a beautiful baby, and she loved her brother. She loved her brother,” she said. The girl is currently being held in a juvenile facility.
