A Reserve couple was arrested August 1, 2023 for the abuse of their 13-month-old son as well as the death of their four-month-old daughter who was found unresponsive in a bed in their home. Angel Taylor, 24, and Chevy Lafountain, 31, both of Reserve, face neglect and child abuse charges as well as second degree murder.
On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, about 9 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Northwest 18th Street in Reserve in reference to an infant not breathing. Upon arrival, officers and emergency medical services located a four-month-old female unresponsive in a bed. No vital signs were detected, and the coroner pronounced the baby deceased on the scene.
Detectives began an investigation into the infant’s death, and they located evidence the home was in deplorable condition. Detectives also determined the couple’s 13-month-old son showed signs of neglect and abuse.
Based on investigation, Taylor and Lafountain were arrested and charged with child desertion (misd) and cruelty to juveniles with force/violence (felony) for the crimes they committed upon their 13-month-old son, pending autopsy results of their four-month-old daughter.
On August 2, 2023, preliminary findings of the autopsy concluded the infant suffered from starvation, malnutrition, dehydration, severe neglect and child abuse, which led to her death.
During interviews with Taylor and Lafountain, detectives determined their statements were inconsistent with the infant’s physical state and both appeared unremorseful for their actions that led to their daughter’s death and their son’s current physical condition and their living conditions.
In addition to the initial charges, Taylor and Lafountain were booked for second degree murder.
Upon the arrest for the initial charges and the second degree murder charge, Judge Nghana Lewis set bond at $600,000 with no 10 percent for Taylor and Lafountain.