Louisiana
A Dead 3-Year-Old Was Brought to a Louisiana Hospital. Now, 3 People Face Charges of Abuse
Three people have been charged in Louisiana after allegedly bringing a 3-year-old child to the hospital dead, according to authorities.
The Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office shared in a social media post on Wednesday, March 5, that Kewanna Monique Lard, 44, Dewanequa Monique Nykeria Lard, 23, and Szysznyk DeWayne Phillips, 48, were charged with cruelty to juveniles.
Kewanna and Dewanequa were also charged with second-degree cruelty to juveniles and obstruction of justice.
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators responded to Bienville Medical Center on Feb. 13 after being informed about Bienville Parish residents “who arrived at the emergency room with the deceased child.” An autopsy was conducted on the 3-year-old as officers investigated what led to the child’s death.
“Following an autopsy, investigators began to look further into suspected physical abuse of the deceased child as well as a [14-year-old child] who resided in the same household,” police said in a statement.
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Police said that Kewanna, Dewanequa and Phillips lived together with the 14-year-old child and 3-year-old child — both of whom were not identified — in a home in Lucky, La., according to the release.
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The sheriff’s office said investigators were able to obtain “sufficient evidence” in order to arrest the trio and charge them. They were booked into the Bienville Parish Jail, with bond set at $100,000 on each count, police said.
Police said that their “investigation is ongoing” and “additional charges are pending” in the case.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office for more information on the case.
Local outlet KTBS-TV identified the deceased 3-year-old as Rayshawn “Nico” Lard. According to an online obituary, the child was born in Castor, La., on Oct. 9, 2021.
He was described as a child who “loved PAW Patrol,” as well as “his mom, siblings and cookies.” His funeral was held by his family on Feb. 28.
Sheriff John Ballance told KTBS-TV that at this point in their investigation, none of the three people arrested so far have been charged with homicide.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Louisiana
Insider loans? Audit raises red flags over Louisiana orphan well program
A private organization entrusted with money intended to protect Louisiana from the cost of abandoned oil and gas wells used funds to make below-market loans benefiting a senior state regulator, his re…
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Louisiana
Driver dies from gunshot wound after Louisiana State Police chase in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – A driver died from a gunshot wound after a Louisiana State Police car chase in New Orleans Saturday evening (June 20), but troopers say they did not fire the gun.
Troop NOLA confirmed the car chase ended near Franklin Avenue and North Miro Street Saturday. Troopers said they found the driver shot and brought them to the hospital, where that person died.
The driver’s identity has not been released.
A Troop NOLA spokesperson said he could not confirm if anyone else was in the car, if anyone has been arrested, or if troopers found a gun.
A spokesperson said more details will be released as a state police force investigation continues.
Troop NOLA is a special investigation unit tasked with proactive policing, traffic enforcement and crime reduction.
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Copyright 2026 WVUE. All rights reserved.
Louisiana
Shelby Bordelon crowned Miss Louisiana 2026
MONROE, La. (KNOE) – Shelby Bordelon of Iberville Parish was crowned Miss Louisiana 2026 Saturday night in Monroe, earning the title and a $15,000 scholarship. Bordelon, a graduate student at Southeastern Louisiana University, said the role is about more than pageantry, emphasizing the yearlong service mission tied to the crown.
“Part of the mission of this organization is the service behind it,” Bordelon said. “And the service is so important, you are serving your state for a year… having the opportunities to connect with others… to continue making an impact and leaving my mark on others as well.”
Bordelon, who finished first runner-up in last year’s competition, said the moment her name was called as the winner still hasn’t fully sunk in.
“It was every emotion you could think of that was running through my mind at that moment,” she said, adding she focused on preparation and perspective this year. “I really wanted to go into this year with no regrets… just really trusting in that mindset and that plan.”
Bordelon said she hopes to use her platform to raise awareness for her nonprofit, Claire’s Promise, which focuses on combating drunk driving.
You can learn more about the nonprofit here. She will now represent Louisiana at the Miss America Pageant, which begins in late August in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Copyright 2026 KNOE. All rights reserved.
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