LAKE CHARLES, LA – A Louisiana babysitter is facing first-degree murder charges after allegedly causing the death of a 3-month-old infant in her care. The child’s mother returned home to find her son unresponsive, suffering from severe head injuries.
Symone Anderson, the mother of the deceased infant, expressed her shock and grief, describing her disbelief that someone she knew could commit such a heinous act. Anderson entrusted 40-year-old Shirley L. Sawyer with the care of her son, Kairo Anderson, on January 22, according to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Upon returning to Sawyer’s residence, Anderson initially believed her baby was sleeping. However, she quickly realized that Kairo was non-responsive. Acting swiftly, she rushed him to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
The sheriff’s office released a statement Tuesday detailing that medical personnel found Kairo had sustained multiple skull fractures and a massive brain bleed, injuries consistent with a violent assault. Due to the severity of his condition, Kairo was airlifted to a hospital out of town but tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Following an intensive investigation that included interviews with hospital staff, authorities concluded that the injuries were inflicted intentionally. As a result, detectives secured a warrant for Sawyer’s arrest on February 3.
Sawyer was apprehended and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center, where she is being held on a $2.5 million bond. The case has sent shockwaves through the community as residents grapple with the tragic loss and unsettling details of the incident.
Despite the arrest, Anderson’s grief underscores the devastating impact of the loss. She trusted Sawyer, only to find her trust shattered in the most tragic way imaginable.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of young Kairo, a life cut tragically short.