Inset, left to right: Kaylee Fontenot and Taylor D. Broussard (Opelousas Police Department). Background: 200 N. Liberty St., Opelousas, La. (Google Maps).
The parents of a 2-month-old girl in Louisiana are accused of fatally abusing and neglecting the newborn, who authorities say died from internal bleeding after her lower spine was severed.
Taylor Daniel Broussard and Kaylee Fontenot were taken into custody and charged with one count each of first-degree murder, cruelty to a juvenile, and second-degree battery, authorities announced.
Shortly after 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, officers with the Opelousas Police Department responded to a call regarding "a medical emergency" at a residence in the 200 block of North Liberty Street, the department said in a news release. The home is about 60 miles west of Baton Rouge.
Upon arriving, first responders said they found the infant girl "not breathing" inside of the home and "immediately" began lifesaving procedures until emergency medical personnel reached the scene and took over. Paramedics transported the victim to a nearby hospital for treatment. The newborn succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the facility.
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The medical examiner performed an autopsy, which revealed that the infant had suffered immeasurable pain and cruelty in her short life due to "severe neglect and physical abuse."
Such abuse allegedly included multiple broken ribs in different stages of healing, which is a clear indicator of ongoing abuse, as well as "extreme dehydration and malnourishment," police said. The autopsy further determined that she suffered "a severed lower spine, resulting in internal bleeding and ultimately, death."
Police began conducting interviews and soon identified the victim's parents as Broussard and Fontenot, emphasizing that the victim "had been in their exclusive custody since birth." Arrest warrants were quickly issued for both parents.
Investigators with OPD's Special Operations Division located Fontenot on Friday and took her into custody. Broussard remained at large for several days before he turned himself in, police announced Monday.
Both were booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail where they are currently being held. It was not immediately clear when they were scheduled to appear in court.
In a statement, OPD Chief Graig LeBlanc emphasized that the investigation into the parents remained "active and ongoing."
"Our hearts are with this infant who suffered unimaginable abuse," he said. "This case is in its early stages, and our investigators are working tirelessly to uncover every detail. We ask the public for patience, cooperation, and assistance in helping us pursue justice."