Three individuals have been arrested in Louisiana for allegedly taking a deceased 3-year-old child to the hospital. The Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office announced on social media that Kewanna Monique Lard, 44, Dewanequa Monique Nykeria Lard, 23, and Szysznyk DeWayne Phillips, 48, are facing charges of cruelty to juveniles. Kewanna and Dewanequa are also charged with second-degree cruelty to juveniles and obstruction of justice. The investigation began when residents of Bienville Parish brought a deceased child to the emergency room on Feb. 13. Autopsy results indicated possible physical abuse of the deceased child and a 14-year-old residing in the same household. The three suspects lived together with the two children in Lucky, La. They have been arrested and are currently in custody at the Bienville Parish Jail. The case is still under investigation, and additional charges may be forthcoming. The deceased child was identified as Rayshawn “Nico” Lard, who was laid to rest by his family on Feb. 28. Sheriff John Ballance mentioned that as of now, none of the arrested individuals have been charged with homicide. If you suspect child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or visit www.childhelp.org for assistance.
