Five-month-old Louisa Strickland was brought to Children's Hospital in New Orleans on February 28 by ambulance after becoming unresponsive while in the sole care of her father, Christopher Strickland. He reported that he had left the room briefly to make a bottle and check on his dogs, and upon returning found her barely breathing. He admitted to violently shaking her to try to revive her and attempted CPR at the direction of 911. Medical examination revealed rib fractures approximately three to four weeks old and severe head injuries. Louisa died on March 2. The Orleans Parish coroner ruled the cause of death as complications from abusive head trauma caused by shaking, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide. Christopher Strickland was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree murder and second-degree cruelty to juveniles.
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 news article states Christopher admitted to "violently shaking" the child. Additionally, the forensic medical report noted rib fractures that were "anywhere from three to four weeks old," and the PICU social worker reported injuries "likened to a car accident, high altitude fall, head crush injury, or forceful shaking." The coroner ruled the death as "complications from abusive head trauma caused from shaking."
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?
The news article explicitly states: "The coroner officially ruled her death as complications from abusive head trauma caused from shaking." The PICU social worker also reported head injuries consistent with "forceful shaking."
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?
The article identifies Christopher Strickland as the father of the child and states that police "determined that he was the soul [sole] caretaker of the child on the day of the incident." He was charged with second-degree murder. The coroner ruled the death a homicide caused by abusive head trauma from shaking. The family context (his wife Tess, their "first-born son Rivers") strongly implies Christopher is the biological father.
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)?
The news article describes a prior DCFS case involving the Strickland family's first-born son Rivers: "Both Christopher and Tess discussed how abuse claims were made against them in a case involving their first-born son Rivers during a pediatric appointment." Although "a judge found there was not sufficient evidence of child abuse and ordered their son Rivers be returned to them," the parents "were still placed on the child abuse registry." This constitutes prior child protection reports for 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?
The news article states: "Christopher Strickland was arrested Thursday and faces charges of second-degree murder and second-degree child cruelty to juveniles in connection with the death of his infant daughter Louisa." His bond was also set at $150,000 and $25,000 for the respective charges.
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
The news article reveals a significant systemic issue: Christopher and Tess Strickland had prior DCFS involvement regarding their first-born son Rivers, during which abuse claims were made against them. Although a judge found insufficient evidence and ordered Rivers returned, both parents were placed on the state's child abuse registry. Furthermore, the Stricklands were featured in a 2021 WDSU Investigates piece where they publicly criticized the Department of Children and Family Services. Despite this prior DCFS history and being on the child abuse registry, the father was subsequently the sole caretaker of another infant who died from abusive head trauma ruled a homicide. The attorney's statement also notes that "Chris has not been formally charged with any crime at this point," highlighting that at the time of the article's publication, the DA had not yet formally charged him despite the arrest.
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