CALCASIEU PARISH, La. (KLFY)-- The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office discovered the body of child, identified as a 4-year-old boy, Monday floating in the water behind the Vinton Welcome Center, and and his 1-year-old brother was also found abandoned in a ditch on I-10 eastbound Tuesday; the mother was taken into custody in Mississippi.
Around 3 p.m. Monday, CPSO were sent to the welcome center in reference to witnesses seeing a body in the water. After authorities arrived, they observed a body floating in the water behind the welcome center. The CPSO Marine Division recovered the body. No obvious signs of injuries were discovered, but this is an ongoing investigation, according to CPSO. The cause of the death will be determined by the coroner.
Authorities learned the child was last seen on Saturday, with his mother, 25-year-old Aaliyah N. Jack of Lake Charles, and his 1-year old brother.
Further investigation led to authorities issuing a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) to other law enforcement agencies, and a warrant was later issued for Jack's arrest, in the amount of $300,000, charging her with failure to report a missing child.
Jack was found in Mississippi, without the 1-year-old, by the Meridian Police Department; she was then taken into custody.
After continuing the search for the 1-year-old child, deputies were dispatched Tuesday at around 9 a.m. to a call in reference to a passerby seeing a baby in a ditch on I-10 eastbound near mile marker 10. When deputies arrived, they identified the child as the missing 1-year-old. The 1-year-old was hospitalized, and is now in stable condition.
“This is a tragic incident our detectives are currently investigating,” Sheriff Stitch Guillory shared. “Fortunately, we were able to locate the 1 year old, who was taken to a local hospital to be checked out. He is now safe and in the care of authorities. We understand the community’s concern and are committed to ensuring justice for the children involved. CPSO detectives are actively working to gather all the information and details surrounding this case and the death of the 4 year old. We will dedicate all necessary resources to ensure a thorough investigation. Our hearts go out to the family members of these two children.”
