Vinton, Louisiana – A tragic incident has unfolded in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, where a 4-year-old boy was found dead in the water near the Louisiana Welcome Center in I-10 in Vinton and his 1-year-old brother was later discovered abandoned in a ditch along Interstate 10.
On July 8, 2024, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) responded to a call about a body located in the water. The CPSO Marine Division recovered the body of the young child, and detectives later identified him as a 4-year-old boy. According to investigators, the child was last seen with his mother, 25-year-old Aaliyah N. Jack of Lake Charles, Louisiana, and his 1-year-old brother on Saturday.
As the investigation continued, detectives issued a Be on the Lookout (BOLO) to other law enforcement agencies and later obtained a warrant for Jack’s arrest, charging her with failure to report a missing child. The warrant was signed by Judge Tony Fazzio with a bond of $300,000. Jack was located in Mississippi by the Meridian Police Department and taken into custody without her 1-year-old son.
CPSO deputies continued their search for the missing 1-year-old and received a call on July 9 about a passerby who spotted a baby in a ditch on I-10 eastbound near mile marker 10. Deputies responded to the scene and positively identified the child as the missing 1-year-old. The child was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and is currently in stable condition.
“This is a tragic incident our detectives are currently investigating,” said Sheriff Stitch Guillory. “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.”
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges against Jack are possible. The coroner will determine the cause of death for the 4-year-old boy. CPSO Detective Willie Fontenot is leading the investigation.
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.
This is an update to the previously published story: Body of Child Found in Water Behind Louisiana Welcome Center in Vinton