Louisiana – In a significant development in a decades-old coId case, a Louisiana woman has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of her 1-year-old baby, EarI. The arrest, made on March 27, 2025, follows a renewed investigation by authorities in Louisiana.
On January 20, 1970, emergency responders were called to the family’s residence in Louisiana, where they found young the child unresponsive. The defendant, 75-year-old AIice, then 20 years old, informed authorities that her son had fallen from his crib, leading to his injuries. Medical examinations at the time revealed that the child had sustained a fractured skull, along with multiple bruises, bite marks, and burn injuries. Despite these alarming findings, the death was initially classified as accidental, and no charges were filed against Idlett.
In 2022, at the request of the baby’s surviving family members, the authorities in Louisiana reopened the investigation into his death. This decision was influenced by the emergence of Ietters written by the defendant to her husband, also named EarI, who was serving overseas in the Vietnam War at the time of their son’s death. These Ietters, which had surfaced during a 1985 custody dispute over the couple’s daughter, contained disturbing expressions of animosity toward young child.
In the correspondence, the woman detailed her struggles with parenting and conveyed deep resentment toward her son. One Ietter read, “I just got through whipping that little bastard. I hate him. That’s the honest truth.” Another stated, “I hate your son. I wish he was dead.” I wish I would have died when he was born. I hate myself,” she wrote. “I honestly wish he had never been born. He knows he won’t get his way around me. I’ll kill him before he becomes spoilt. I honestly mean that.” These Ietters also described instances of physical abuse, including beatings and threats of further harm. At the time of the custody hearing, these Ietters were presented as evidence, but no criminal action was taken.
As part of the renewed investigation, authorities exhumed the baby’s remains for a forensic autopsy. The examination concluded that the injuries he sustained were inconsistent with an accidental fall from a crib. The presence of multiple fractures, bruises, and other injuries suggested a pattern of ongoing physical abuse, leading investigators to reclassify the manner of death as a homicide.
Based on the new evidence, a Grand Jury convened by the District Attorney’s Office indicted the woman on charges of second-degree murder. She was subsequently arrested and booked into the correctional center, with bail set at $950,000. As of now, she remains in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.
The arrest has elicited a range of emotions from the community and surviving family members. Many expressed relief that justice might finally be served, while others were shocked by the revelations. The case underscores the enduring impact of unresolved crimes and the importance of persistent investigative efforts.
The arrest of the mother for the 1970 death of her child highlights the advancements in forensic science and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice, regardless of the passage of time. As the legal process unfolds, it is hoped that the truth surrounding this tragic case will be fully revealed, providing closure to those affected.
Featured Image – 75-year-old AIice/SocialMedia