Caddo Judge Finds Shreveport Woman Guilty of Killing a Toddler
A Shreveport woman, identified as Tatianna Jenell Burns, aged 42, has been found guilty by Caddo District Judge, Donald E. Hathaway Jr. for shaking a toddler to death.
The Tragic Incident
The deceased, an 18-month-old toddler, known as A.W., was pronounced dead on June 5, 2020. Multiple witnesses were called in by the district attorney’s office to prove that Burns was responsible for A.W.’s death. The murder was proven to have resulted from shaking, causing severe brain trauma.
Testimony from four medical doctors was presented during the trial. They all agreed that the bleeding and swelling in A.W.’s brain were a result of acute, abusive head trauma.
The Evidence
Evidence shown during the trial established that Burns had been taking care of the toddler, with whom she had no familial ties. Notably, she had also been under investigation in the year 2013 for alleged torture of another child whilst in her care.
The prosecutors were able to present sufficient medical evidence and testimony to prove that Burns was the only person with access to A.W at the time of her death.
The Sentencing
According to the prosecutors, Burns will return to Hathaway’s court on July 23. She stands to be sentenced to mandatory life imprisonment. The sentencing will be without the possibility of probation, parole, or suspension of sentence.
Public Outrage and Hopes for Justice
The case has sparked outrage within the community, putting into question the safety measures put in place to protect children from abuse. Members of the public continue to ask for justice to be served to deter potential future instances of such heinous acts against innocent children.
Article by: Anonymous Journalist