Opelousas parents charged with murder of 2-month-old infant
OPELOUSAS, LA. (KLFY) -- One suspect and are actively searching for another in connection with the death of a two-month-old infant which occurred on Saturday night, police said.
Authorities have identified Kaylee Fontenot and Taylor Broussard as the suspects and parents of the infant. Policed said they have located and arrested Fontenot, who is now in custody. Taylor Broussard remains at large, and investigators are actively searching for him. He is considered wanted on the charges listed below.
Arrest warrants were obtained for both parents on the following charges:
- First Degree Murder
- Cruelty to Juveniles
- Second Degree Battery
Officers said they responded to a medical emergency on Saturday night in the 200 block of N. Liberty Street, where they found the infant girl not breathing. Officers immediately began life-saving measures until paramedics arrived; however the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Through the investigation, it was learned Fontenot and Broussard identified as the parents of the infant who was under their exclusive custody since birth.
Following the autopsy, police said that the infant suffered severe neglect and physical abuse, including:
- Extreme dehydration and malnourishment
- Broken rib bones, some showing signs of healing
- A severed lower spine, resulting in internal bleeding and ultimately, death
This case remains active and ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information on this case or the whereabouts of Taylor Broussard is asked to contact the Opelousas Police Department at (337) 948-2500 or submit a tip anonymously through St. Landry Crime Stoppers at (337) 948-TIPS (8477).