Child That Drowned Behind Louisiana Welcome Center Identified, 1-Year-Old Brother Also Found

The body of the child found floating in the water behind a Louisiana Welcome Center has been identified as a 4-year-old boy, according to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office.

The story gets even sadder as the deceased boy's 1-year-old brother was also found abandoned in a ditch on I-10 eastbound on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the mother was taken into custody in Mississippi.

The story of the 4-year-old boy's death

Around 3:00 pm on Monday, July 8, CPSO deputies were dispatched to the welcome center in Vinton after witnesses saw a body in the water. After arriving, authorities observed a body floating in the water behind the welcome center.

The CPSO Marine Division later recovered the body. No obvious signs of injuries were discovered and an investigation was launched.

The coroner's office will be determining the cause of death.

The mother and other abandoned child

Authorities learned that the 4-year-old child was last seen on Saturday with his mother, 25-year-old Aaliyah N. Jack of Lake Charles, and his 1-year-old brother.

After further investigation, authorities issued a BOLO (Be on the Lookout) to other law enforcement agencies, and a warrant was later issued for Jack's arrest, in the amount of $300,000, charging her with failure to report a missing child.

Mother and child later found

Jack was found in Mississippi by the Meridian Police Department and was taken into custody. However, she was found without the 1-year-old child.

While the search for the child continued, deputies were dispatched around 9:00 am on Tuesday to a call that a passerby saw a baby in a ditch on I-10 eastbound near mile marker 10.

Once deputies arrived, they were able to identify that it was the missing 1-year-old child. The 1-year-old was hospitalized and is now in stable condition.

A tragic situation

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Stitch Guillory released the following statement on this sad incident:

This is a tragic incident our detectives are currently investigating. Fortunately, we were able to locate the 1-year-old, who was taken to a local hospital to be checked out. He is now safe and in the care of authorities. We understand the community’s concern and are committed to ensuring justice for the children involved. CPSO detectives are actively working to gather all the information and details surrounding this case and the death of the 4-year-old. We will dedicate all necessary resources to ensure a thorough investigation. Our hearts go out to the family members of these two children.

Detectives are continuing their investigation and more charges are possible.