NOPD Investigating 2 Deadly Child abuse Cases In Last Week

**Whisper** · May 9th, 2012, 01:56 PM

NEW ORLEANS -- Two New Orleans infants were murdered in just the last week. Police say they died at the hands of those responsible for their care.

In both cases, detectives say the adults claimed the babies were crying too much.

"She was a good kid. She wasn't here for that long but it's sad to hear about what happened to her," said Junior Short about his niece's passing.

Inside his grandmother's Fern Street home, police say that 21-year-old Micah Short lost his temper, taking it out on his 2-month-old daughter.

Her uncle tells Eyewitness News the deadly violence was out of character for his brother.

"It's a shock because it's his first baby. You know my brother, they say he's charged with murder. My brother is not the offensive type of person," said Junior.

NOPD says the infant's parents took her to the hospital on Monday after her father claimed he had accidentally hit the girl's head on the side of her crib. The infant, who relatives say was named Macayla, died at the hospital from what police are calling "blunt force trauma" to the head.
[...]

Mikayla

This is the second deadly child abuse case in a week. Police say 39-year-old Angela Bernard beat and killed a 3-month-old girl in her care who wouldn't stop crying on April 30. Bernard is charged with first-degree murder and child neglect.

"More children die as infants from abuse then any other natural cause," said Stacie LeBlanc, director of New Orleans Children's Advocacy Center.

LeBlanc said Louisiana has a serious child abuse problem compared to other states.

"We just finished planting 45 trees in honor of each child who died last year in Louisiana, and our numbers are so high, and here we are in the first week of May and there are two babies who've died," said LeBlanc, who stresses that it is important for the community to report abuse right away.

A tragic end to a young life that one uncle is struggling to understand.

"Especially with the murder part. Nobody in our family are killers. It's definitely not in him," said Junior Short.

Micah Short was booked on a first-degree murder on Tuesday. Police say he also faces a domestic battery charge connected to a March incident with his wife.

http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/NOPD...150705735.html

Angela Bernards story is here I posted last week
http://www.dreamindemon.com/forums/s...angela+bernard

**spifftastic** · May 9th, 2012, 02:48 PM

Is there something different about first versus second degree murder down there? These sound like heat of the moment rage killings, not premeditated. Why are they both charged with first degree murder? Or is it just for bargaining power in court? If that's the case it doesn't seem very legal.

**Whisper** · May 9th, 2012, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by spifftastic

Is there something different about first versus second degree murder down there? These sound like heat of the moment rage killings, not premeditated. Why are they both charged with first degree murder? Or is it just for bargaining power in court? If that's the case it doesn't seem very legal.

Im in Canada so I havent a clue
we have completely diff sets of charges then you mguys do

**Mommyof2** · May 9th, 2012, 03:21 PM

"Especially with the murder part. Nobody in our family are killers. It's definitely not in him," said Junior Short.

This statement annoyed me. Somebody in your family is a killer. A BABY KILLER!! Wake the fuck up it is in him. That baby didn't beat herself to death! ughhh! Dumb ass ignorant family members these days!

**Nell** · May 10th, 2012, 06:03 AM

Walk. The. Fuck. Away.

Put the baby down and walk the fuck away you assholes. I am not the best mom in the world. I know my faults. But I know that if the baby is making you that mad it is better to leave the room then beat it to death. Go outside. Scream, cry, jump up and down. Then have a smoke, take a deep breath, and love on that baby again. Don't take out your frustrations on a being a 10th of your size.

**Krystal** · June 17th, 2012, 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by spifftastic

Is there something different about first versus second degree murder down there? These sound like heat of the moment rage killings, not premeditated. Why are they both charged with first degree murder? Or is it just for bargaining power in court? If that's the case it doesn't seem very legal.

Age of the victims. Many jurisdictions allow for a 1st degree murder charge when the victim is a child. Louisiana last I knew can still execute pedophiles that rape their victims as well. Also the fact that the babies were abused can affect the charge, child abuse is a felony on it's own in many cases therefore it elevates a murder charge to 1st degree, but the age of the vicitms is more than likely the deciding factor here.

**spifftastic** · June 18th, 2012, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by Krystal

Age of the victims. Many jurisdictions allow for a 1st degree murder charge when the victim is a child. Louisiana last I knew can still execute pedophiles that rape their victims as well. Also the fact that the babies were abused can affect the charge, child abuse is a felony on it's own in many cases therefore it elevates a murder charge to 1st degree, but the age of the vicitms is more than likely the deciding factor here.

Thank you! This has been really bothering me on a few different cases. I'm pretty sure it's all about intent here and not age, at least from everything I've read in the news so I couldn't figure it out. That doesn't fly in liberal states.

**carolinablue** · June 19th, 2012, 12:08 PM

Is there something different about first versus second degree murder down there? These sound like heat of the moment rage killings, not premeditated. Why are they both charged with first degree murder? Or is it just for bargaining power in court? If that's the case it doesn't seem very legal.

yeah, it's strange. Down here 2nd degree is applied when the defendant/asshole perp engages in behavior that he/she knows could cause death, but he/she did not have the intent to kill. It is applied in cases like this, when a parent beats a child, intending to inflict injury, but not not cause death. Or, for instance, a bar fight where someone dies; nobody did it intending to kill.

**Silvahalo** · June 19th, 2012, 06:46 PM

A very young father, first time father wonder if he had a clue on taking care of an infant. Still, only thing he really had to keep in mind is you never beat a baby. never, ever, ever.

And they always seem to be the cutest little things getting beat to death. The family hardly got the chance to get to know her face, her smell...her coo's. ....
Macayla Aireen Tigerlilly Short

Macayla Aireen Tigerlilly Short Sweet Little Flower of Heavenly birth, you were far too precious to bloom on earth! Our heavenly angel flew into the arms of Jesus on Monday, May 7, 2012. Eternally loved daughter of Taylor G.L.A.J. Short and Micah A. Short. Adorable niece of Julia C. Hamilton
[...]

Rest in peace little darlin'...."Tigerlilly" so adorable.