Lake Charles, Louisiana – On Wednesday, January 22, at approximately 8:00 p.m., deputies from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a local hospital regarding an unresponsive 3-month-old infant. Upon arrival, detectives initiated an investigation and spoke with hospital personnel, who reported that the baby had suffered a massive brain bleed and multiple skull fractures. These injuries are believed to be consistent with significant trauma, leading to the child being airlifted to a specialized facility out of town, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation revealed that the baby had been left in the care of Shirley L. Sawyer, a 40-year-old resident of Lake Charles, for approximately three hours that day. According to statements from the mother, when she arrived at Sawyer’s home, she believed the baby to be peacefully asleep. However, shortly thereafter, she discovered that the child was limp and unresponsive. In a panic, she transported the infant to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
As the investigation continued, detectives gathered more evidence, leading them to issue an arrest warrant for Sawyer on February 3. She was apprehended earlier that afternoon and was subsequently booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center. Sawyer has been charged with first-degree murder. Judge Tony Fazzio has set her bond at $2.5 million.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the infant’s tragic death remains ongoing. Detective Willie Fontenot of the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is leading 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.