In a tragic case out of Louisiana, the parents of a two-month-old baby girl face serious charges after authorities allege the infant died from internal bleeding, caused by a severed lower spine.

Law enforcement officials have arrested Taylor Daniel Broussard and Kaylee Fontenot, charging them with first-degree murder, cruelty to a juvenile, and second-degree battery.

On the morning of October 25, at around 8 a.m., officers from the Opelousas Police Department were dispatched to a residence on the 200 block of North Liberty Street following reports of a “medical emergency,” according to a news release. This area is located approximately 60 miles west of Baton Rouge.

Upon entering the home, the first responders discovered the infant girl unresponsive and immediately initiated life-saving measures. Paramedics soon arrived and transported her to a nearby hospital, but tragically, the infant was pronounced dead shortly after arrival despite their efforts.

An autopsy confirmed the heartbreaking details, revealing that the newborn had endured significant suffering due to “severe neglect and physical abuse” throughout her brief life.

Such abuse allegedly included multiple broken ribs in different stages of healing, which is a clear indicator of ongoing abuse, as well as “extreme dehydration and malnourishment,” police said. The autopsy further determined that she suffered “a severed lower spine, resulting in internal bleeding and ultimately, death.”

Police began conducting interviews and soon identified the victim”s parents as Broussard and Fontenot, emphasizing that the victim “had been in their exclusive custody since birth.” Arrest warrants were quickly issued for both parents.

Investigators with OPD’s Special Operations Division located Fontenot on Friday and took her into custody. Broussard remained at large for several days before he turned himself in, police announced Monday.

Both were booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail where they are currently being held. It was not immediately clear when they were scheduled to appear in court.

In a statement, OPD Chief Graig LeBlanc emphasized that the investigation into the parents remained “active and ongoing.”

“Our hearts are with this infant who suffered unimaginable abuse,” he said. “This case is in its early stages, and our investigators are working tirelessly to uncover every detail. We ask the public for patience, cooperation, and assistance in helping us pursue justice.”