LIVINGSTON PARISH, LA – A 14-year-old Louisiana girl faces first-degree murder charges after investigators say she killed her newborn daughter shortly after giving birth at home and concealed the pregnancy from her family.
Medical staff at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center contacted the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office on Friday after the teenager arrived seeking treatment for complications related to childbirth. Deputies responding to the hospital made a horrific discovery when they found the infant deceased inside a tote bag with what authorities described as “extensive injuries to the neck.”
The girl was initially charged with failure to seek assistance and obstruction of justice. Those charges were upgraded to first-degree murder after an autopsy determined the manner of death was homicide.
Sheriff Jason Ard said investigators believe the teen hid her pregnancy from everyone around her and that the baby was born alive before being killed.
“Investigators believe the girl concealed her pregnancy from her family and that the baby girl was born alive and killed shortly after birth,” Ard stated.
The sheriff acknowledged the devastating toll the case has taken on everyone involved in the investigation.
“This has been difficult for all first responders involved,” Ard said, asking the community to keep both the responders and the family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
The teenager has been booked into the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center. Due to her age and the sensitive nature of the case, authorities said no further details would be released publicly.
First-degree murder charges in Louisiana carry severe penalties, though sentencing options differ significantly for juvenile offenders compared to adults. The case will be handled through the juvenile court system.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to understand the full circumstances surrounding the infant’s death.
Louisiana’s abortion ban is going to trigger additional avoidable tragedies such as this.
The 14 year old girl should not be charged. The man who impregnated her should be charged and imprisoned for getting her pregnant. Stop putting the responsibility in the wrong place.