A Washington Parish mother faces a first-degree murder charge after her 8-month-old infant died from severe injuries, including broken bones. The investigation began on March 12 when the infant was brought to Riverside Medical Center and later airlifted to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, where it died. Franklinton Police Chief Justin Brown says investigators questioned the mother 24-year-old Autumn Harper about the injuries.
“The mother ultimately provided statements where over a prolonged period of time there had been some physical abuse toward the child.”
Brown described the case as “absolutely heartbreaking” and extended condolences to the family.
“I’ve been doing this job for over 30 years and I would venture to say over my career this is probably the worst one I’ve seen.”
Brown says after an extensive conversation with Harper, he believes mental health played a significant role in the case, and hopes to prevent cases like this in the future.
“I’m hoping as a community that we can learn to identify potentially some of the signs that even if it’s a family member suspects there is child abuse taking place whether it be physical or sexual that somebody speaks out and say something.”
Harper is being held in Washington Parish Jail awaiting bond.
You can hear the entire interview with Chief Brown below.
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