Lake Charles, Louisiana - On May 2, detectives from the Special Victims Unit of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office were informed by the Department of Children & Family Services about a 7-month-old child who had been allegedly neglected by her parents.
During the investigation, it was found that on April 26, the child was brought to a local hospital unconscious and not breathing. It was also discovered that on April 20, the baby had been discharged from the hospital after spending the first seven months of her life there due to medical issues at birth. When the baby was released to Marcus J. Blue, Sr., 47, and Brittany M. Nero, 26, both from Lake Charles, Louisiana, they were instructed on how to properly feed her because of her need for a breathing and feeding tube. However, according to CPSO, Blue went against the doctor's orders and fed the baby from a bottle instead of using the feeding tube. The child was found to be dehydrated and suffering from a bleeding diaper rash with multiple open sores.
Blue and Nero were arrested on May 29 and taken to Calcasieu Correctional Center for further investigation. They were charged with 2nd degree cruelty to juveniles and had their bonds set at $500,000 by Judge Tony Fazzio. Nero has already posted bail.
The victim was later moved to a hospital in another city. She is now under the care of the Department of Children & Family Services.
Detective Eric Perry from the CPSO SVU is in charge of leading the investigation for this case.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.