A 5-month-old baby girl died in Winnfield, Louisiana, on or around December 18-19, 2022, from blunt force trauma to the head and body, ruled a homicide. On the morning of December 19, Winnfield Fire & Rescue and EMS responded to a 911 call on Louisiana Street regarding an unresponsive infant. The infant was transported to Winn Parish Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. Winn Parish Coroner Dr. James Lee determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head and body area. Following an investigation by Winnfield City Police and the Winn Parish Sheriff's Office, four adults—Jakeithra Starks (26), Laquetta Thomas (36), DeKarian Starks (24), and Malia Snowden (19)—were arrested and charged with Second Degree Cruelty to a Juvenile, each with a $400,000 bond. An 11-year-old juvenile who lived at the residence was also arrested, though the juvenile's specific charges were not publicly released.
Contexts/Conditions
Is there any mention of child drug ingestion or overdose?
Is there any mention of a drowning incident (either intentional or accidental)?
Is there any mention of a firearm incident?
Is there any mention of inappropriate supervision (e.g., child wandered off and drowned)?
Is there any mention of inflicted injury? (e.g. slapped, punched, kicked, choked)
The FOIA document states the cause of death was "Blunt force trauma" and the manner of death was "Homicide." The Newsweek article further specifies "blunt force trauma to the head and body area." A homicide ruling with blunt force trauma in an infant clearly indicates inflicted injury.
Is there any mention of malnutrition, starvation, or dehydration?
Is there any mention of medical neglect?
Is there any mention of a motor vehicle crash or incident?
Is there any mention of a murder-suicide incident?
Is there any mention of outdoor elements (including hot car deaths)?
Is there any mention of prenatal substance exposure (including fetal alcohol syndrome or neonatal abstinence syndrome)?
Is there any mention of sexual abuse?
Is there any specific mention of shaken baby or abusive head trauma?
Is there any mention of prolonged abuse or torture (including restraints, captivity)?
Is there any mention of an unsafe sleeping environment?
Individuals Involved
Was an adoptive parent or guardian involved in the death?
Was a biological father involved in the death?
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
Was a day care worker, babysitter, or nanny involved in the death?
Was a female paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., girlfriend, stepmother)?
Was a foster parent involved in the death?
Was a male paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., boyfriend, stepfather)?
Was another adult relative involved in the death? (e.g., grandfather, aunt)
Was a sibling involved in the death?
Child Characteristics
Was the child adopted?
Was the child homeschooled (including "cyberschooling") or taken out of school?
Was the child in foster care at the time of the incident?
Was the child living with relatives at the time of the incident (but not parents)?
Is there any mention of a neurological developmental child disability? (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, nonverbal)
Is there any mention of a physical child disability? (e.g., feeding tube)
Is there any mention of prematurity or low birthweight?
Is there a history of child protection reports prior to death (for this child or siblings)?
Does the child have a history of foster care (but not in care at time of incident)?
Is there a history of a sibling death (separate incident from this death)?
Parent/Caregiver Factors
Was an adult charged or arrested for the child's death?
Both news articles and the context of the FOIA document confirm that four adults were arrested and charged with Second Degree Cruelty to a Juvenile in connection with the infant's death. The KNOE article states: "Along with the juvenile, four adults were also arrested: Jakeithra Starks, 26, Laquetta Thomas, 36, DeKarian Starks, 24, Malia Snowden, 19. The adults were charged with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile."
Is domestic violence by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is there any mention that the death occurred in a temporary shelter or while homeless?
Is an intellectual disability of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is the mental health of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is a history of arrests or criminal charges for the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Notable Details
An 11-year-old juvenile was also arrested in connection with the infant's death, in addition to the four adults. The Newsweek article states: "An 11-year-old juvenile was also arrested. Initial reports had indicated the juvenile is the infant child's sibling, however, the Winn Parish Journal has since reported that this is not the case." The KNOE article's update clarifies: "the juvenile arrested was not related to the infant but only lived at the residence." The juvenile's charges were not officially released. This involvement of a minor in the death of an infant is a notable detail not captured by the preceding questions, as the juvenile was neither a sibling nor a relative but rather a co-resident at the property.
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