Shreveport Police Dept.

Date: September 15, 2004

Phone: 318/673-6932 Fax: 318/673-6933

Contact: Sgt. Jim Taliaferro, Public Information Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Infant Dies From Abuse

At approximately 1:00 PM today, attending physicians at Schumpert Pediatric ICU made the difficult decision to remove Jerl'nesia Smith, b/f, one year old, from life support and shortly thereafter she passed away.

Jerl'nesia was initially brought to Willis Knighton North on Monday, September 12th with extensive injuries to her back, face, head and torso resulting from physical abuse by her mother, Latonya Smith, b/f, 21 of Shreveport. Jerl'nesia was admitted with no pulse or respiration and was resuscitated, transported to Schumpert Pediatric ICU, where, because of extensive head trauma and lack of brain activity, she remained on life support until today.

Latonya Smith was arrested September 12th for Attempted First Degree Murder and admitted to CCC. No decision has been made by investigating officers regarding upgrading current charges.

As more information becomes available, notification will be made.

-spd-

View all SPD press releases at www.ci.shreveport.la.us/dept/police/spdnews