Louisiana woman arrested for beating 8-month-old baby to death

A 24-year-old Louisiana woman identified as Autumn Victoria Harper, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder following the death of her eight-month-old son, Sterling Rodgers, according to a press release issued by the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.

Authorities said that Harper allegedly abused her child, which resulted in fatal injuries. The infant was initially rushed to Riverside Medical Center with severe injuries and later transferred to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, where he passed away on March 17.

The injuries, including skull fractures, broken ribs, arms, and legs, were believed to be the result of ongoing abuse. Franklinton Police Chief Justin Brown told WDSU 6 that most of the injuries were healing.

Brown called it the ‘worst’ case he had ever experienced in his career. He also questioned why the abuse went unnoticed for so long and why Harper didn't seek help for her difficulties in caring for Sterling.

The mother admitted to causing harm to her son, including incidents like covering his mouth when he cried.

Harper's mother, Natasha Hano, devastated by the loss of her only grandchild, described the situation as unbearable. She also mentioned that her daughter had shown signs of struggling with her mental health, with Chief Brown also suggesting that mental health could have played a role in the abuse.