GhLinks Media
A 24-year-old Franklinton woman is being held in the Washington Parish Jail without bond, charged with first-degree murder for the death of her 8-month old baby.
Autumn Harper of 13th Avenue in Franklinton was charged after the baby died of severe injuries, including multiple healing and currently broken bones.
The baby was taken to Riverside Medical Center last Wednesday, March 12, where medical staffers called the Franklinton Police Department.
The baby was transported by emergency helicopter to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans but it was unable to survive and died on Monday of this week, March 17.
Following the initial report of child abuse from Riverside Medical Center, Franklinton Police Chief Justin Brown assigned officers and investigators to the case.
He noted that the officers and investigators worked tirelessly to obtain evidence and witness statements.
Brown said the tragedy of what happened to a helpless baby has had a lasting effect on everyone involved in the case.
“In over 30 years in law enforcement, I have never experienced a case like this one,” Brown said. “It is absolutely heartbreaking.”
Harper was interviewed by Franklinton investigators and she made a voluntary statement that led to her arrest, Brown noted.
She has not yet been indicted or tried and is currently assumed to be innocent until proven guilty.
But if ultimately convicted of first-degree murder, she could possibly face the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
