A mom from Louisiana is accused of beating her 8-month-old child to death. Authorities have charged her with first-degree murder.
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Officers from the Franklinton Police Department arrested Autumn Harper, 24, during the early hours of Wednesday morning, according to Fox 8. She was booked into the Washington Parish jail for allegedly killing her son, Sterling Rogers. In a
press release, the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office said that authorities are holding Harper without bond.In an interview with the outlet, Police Chief Justin Brown explained that 'Harper admitted to abusing the infant' when questioned by police.
"Following an extensive interview where she admitted responsibility for the injuries the child has sustained, which we believe ultimately led to the medical emergency that was experienced on the day the child went to the hospital."
Brown couldn't say what killed the infant, but he did reveal the extent of Roger's injuries. "I can confidently say that there are breaks from the skull all the way to the lower extremities," he said. Brown told WSDU an autopsy revealed fractures in the skull, ribs, arms, and legs. He also explained that the vast majority were 'healing injuries.'
Emergency Services airlifted Sterling Rogers to Children's Hospital in New Orleans but he died a few days later.
The Louisiana Mom May Have Been Struggling With Mental Health
Brown highlighted Harper's mental state during the interview with Fox 8. "You have a mother who exhibits signs and has admitted to the fact that she's caused harm to her child." He asks, "How could mental health not be involved?"
Harper's mother and the infant's grandmother said, "She (Harper) admitted some things, like putting her hand over his mouth, maybe when he was crying."
The grandmother also said that Harper had never talked to her about depression or post-pregnancy issues. "Every time I close my eyes, I have nightmares, and see bad images. I mean, that was my heart," she told the outlet.
Brown told WSDU that this is one of the worst cases he's worked in his entire career. He also questions how the situation arose in the first place. "Why was it not seen? Why was it not prevented?" He admits those are questions that may never be answered.
