Woman arrested in death of her 1-year-old son

A Labadieville woman has been booked on a murder charge after a preliminary investigation indicated her 1-year-old child died as a result of abuse and neglect, Assumption Parish Sheriff Leland Falcon said Wednesday.

—Tonika M. Willoughby, 28, La. 1, Labadieville, was arrested Tuesday on a charge of first-degree murder.

Willoughby’s other two children were placed in the care of the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services.

Deputies were called to Willoughby’s La. 1 address Monday because a child was unresponsive. Acadian Ambu lance was also dispatched and transported the child to Thibodaux Regional Hospital, where the child was pro-nounced deceased about an hour after arrival.

An autopsy was conducted at the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office. A preliminary report indicates that child neglect and abuse was a direct result of the infant’s death.

Detectives immediately initiated an investigation and on Tuesday conducted an interview with Willoughby.

Based on the medical findings and the interview of Willoughby, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for the alleged crime.

Willoughby was arrested at the Detectives Bureau and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Facility pending a court appearance.

The investigation continues.

Falcon also reported this arrest:

—Laqueta Harvey, 34, Belle Point Lane, Napoleonville, was arrested Tuesday on charges of battery of a school bus operator and unlawful disruption of the operation of a school.

Deputies made contact with the complainant at the school in question in Napoleonville.

The complainant advised that Harvey approached her because of a minor incident on the school bus a day ear-lier. The complainant is a bus driver. Harvey is alleged to have repeatedly struck the victim on the school campus.

Based on the victim’s, as well as numerous witness statements, and notable physical injuries
to the victim, the deputy filed arrest warrants against Harvey.

Harvey was arrested at her home and booked into the Assumption Parish Detention Center on charges
pending a bond hearing.

Morgan City Police Chief James F. Blair reported these arrests:

—Devonte Siranthony Myles, 26, Patton Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 8:57 p.m. Tuesday on war-rants for possession of marijuana (first offense) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Officers came into contact with Devonte S. Myles on Third Street. A warrant check revealed the Morgan City Police Department held an active warrant for his arrest.

He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.
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—Shaqunia Marie Harris, 26, Arizona Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:53 p.m. Tuesday on a warrant for contempt of court-violating terms of probation (two counts).

Harris was located at the Morgan City Police Department and booked on outstanding warrants held by the City Court of Morgan City.

—Matthew James Miller, 26, Marshall Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:33 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of domestic abuse battery.

Officers were called to a Marshall Street address for a disturbance. They discovered evidence Miller had committed a battery on his domestic partner.
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He was placed under arrest and transported to the Morgan City Police Department for booking and incarceration.

St. Martin Parish Sheriff Becket Breaux reported these arrests:

—Sergio Lopez-Herrera, 28, Greenwell Springs Road, Greenwell Springs, was arrested Monday by the Louisiana State Police improper lane usage, operating while intoxicated (second offense), open container, operating a vehicle while license is suspended.

—Tory Phillips, 30, Caddo Court, Lafayette, was arrested Monday by the FBI and held for the U.S. Marshals Ser-vice.

—Stoney Ross, 47, Hebert Lane Highway, St. Martinville, was arrested Monday by the Sheriff’s Office on charges of unauthorized use of a movable and simple burglary/burglary.

—Nathan Simon, 31, Hebert Avenue, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Monday on charges of domestic abuse battery, domestic abuse, aggravated assault; child endangerment and unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling.

—Aries Antoine, 23, Pershing Street, New Iberia, was arrested Tuesday on charges of attempt second-degre mur-der/non-negligent manslaughter.

—Logant Smith, 20, Camille Drive, St. Martinville, was arrested Tuesday by the St. Martinville Police Department on charges of possession with intent to distribute Schedule I drugs, prohibited acts, distribution of drug paraphernalia, transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, tail lamps, head lamps on motor vehicles, possession of a fire arm while committing or attempting crime.on

—Kordell Williams, 32, Castille Avenue, Breaux Bridge, was arrested Tuesday by the Breaux Bridge Police Department on charges of domestic abuse battery and second-degree battery.

—William Williams, 28, Joyce Street, Lafayette, was arrested Tuesday by and held for the U.S. Marshals Service

Franklin Police Chief Morris Beverly reported these arrests:

—Steven Richard Sr., 40, Cayce Street, Franklin, was arrested at 8 p.m. Monday on a 16th Judicial District Court warrant for failure to appear on the charge of simple burglary. Richard was booked, processed and held on a $2,500 bond.

—Michael Thomas, 35, Robert Street, Franklin, was arrested at 1:45 a.m. Tuesday on a war-rant for 3rd Ward City Court for failure to appear on the charge of domestic abuse battery. Thomas was booked, processed and held with no bond set.

ST. MARY NOW

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