A Louisiana mother has been arrested after authorities say she fatally beat her 8-month-old son in a case described as one of the worst they’ve ever seen.
Autumn Victoria Harper, 24, from Franklinton, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of her baby boy, Sterling Rodgers, according to the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Franklinton Police Chief Justin Brown called the situation “absolutely heartbreaking” and said the infant appeared to have suffered repeated abuse.
“Preliminary autopsy results show skull fractures, broken ribs, arms, and legs,” Brown told WDSU 6. “Most of those injuries were already healing, which tells us this had been happening for some time.”
Brown said the case has left him shaken. “This is probably one of the worst cases I’ve ever worked in my career,” he admitted, adding that he couldn’t help but wonder: “Why wasn’t this seen? Why wasn’t it stopped?”
Sterling was first brought to Riverside Medical Center last week with critical injuries before being flown to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, where he passed away on March 17.
Harper’s mother, Natasha Hano, is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her only grandchild.
“I’m going to miss everything about him,” she told FOX 8 through tears. “Every time I close my eyes, I see terrible images.”
Authorities say Harper admitted to causing some of her son’s injuries, including pressing her hand over his mouth when he cried. Brown believes mental health struggles may have played a role.
“You have a mother who has admitted to harming her own child—how could mental health not be involved?” he said.
Sterling’s grandmother remembers him as a joyful baby.
“Everything made him smile,” she said. “He loved his mama and his maw-maw more than anything.”
Harper remains in custody with no bond set at this time.
