FRANKLINTON, LA – A tragic turn of events in Franklinton has led to the arrest of a mother accused of fatally abusing her infant son.
Autumn Victoria Harper, 24, is facing first-degree murder charges following the death of her 8-month-old son, Sterling Rodgers, according to the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office. The office released this information on Wednesday, March 19.
Authorities report that Sterling endured severe abuse before he was taken to Riverside Medical Center and then airlifted to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. He succumbed to his injuries on March 17.
Franklinton Police Chief Justin Brown described the case as particularly distressing, citing ongoing abuse that allegedly included multiple untreated injuries. “The preliminary autopsy suggests skull fractures, and fractures in ribs, arms, and legs,” Brown explained, noting the grim revelation that many injuries were in various stages of healing.
The case raises pressing questions for the police chief, who wonders how such extensive injuries escaped detection. “Why wasn’t it seen or prevented?” he asked, adding that if Harper had been struggling, she should have sought help or handed the child to someone who could care for him.
Natasha Hano, Harper’s mother, expressed her devastation at the loss of her only grandson. “I’m gonna miss everything about him,” Hano said, tearfully recalling the joyful moments with Sterling. Despite the turmoil, she partially acknowledged her daughter’s admissions about the abuse, suggesting Harper had admitted to minor instances of harmful behavior towards the infant.
Chief Brown indicated a potential link between Harper’s actions and mental health struggles, further emphasizing the need for a comprehensive investigation. “We have a mother who admitted to harming her child. Mental health can’t be ignored in this situation,” he stated.
Despite her admissions, no bond has been set for Harper, as confirmed by the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office. The bereaved family now faces the challenging task of grieving Sterling’s untimely death and grappling with the questions surrounding it.
A community in shock and a family in mourning reflect the somber reality left in the wake of this incident, as they remember a boy whose smile once lit their lives.