Lake Charles, LA –
On April 17, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a home on N. Claiborne Street in Sulphur in reference to an unresponsive 4-year-old boy.
When detectives spoke with the father of the child, Scott A. Edwards, 26, and his live-in girlfriend, Jenna E. Morgan, 24, both of Sulphur, they gave conflicting stories on how the injuries may have occurred; none of which were consistent with the extent of the injuries the boy sustained. Hospital personnel stated the boy suffered from injuries consistent with likely ongoing abuse occurring over a period of time; including multiple brain bleeds and bruising, all at various stages of healing.
After further investigation, yesterday evening, detectives issued a warrant signed by Judge Tony Fazzio for the arrest of Edwards and Morgan. They were arrested out of town, at the hospital, and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. They are both charged with 2nd degree cruelty to a juvenile. Their bonds have been set at $750,000 each.
The boy was transported to a local hospital and then airlifted to a hospital out of town due to the severity of his injuries. The child remains in ICU in critical condition. He has been placed in state custody by the Department of Children & Family Services.
The investigation is continuing. CPSO Special Victims Unit Detective Alexander Vincent is the lead investigator on this case.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
*Update: On April 18 both suspects were transported and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center.
