BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA – A tragic incident unfolded when a toddler, Blessing Buckles, was fatally beaten by two juvenile cousins while their mothers were reportedly out gambling, as reported by local authorities. The three-year-old girl was rushed to the hospital after a child called 911 and reported that Blessing was not breathing.
Upon arrival at the hospital on February 12, it was discovered that Blessing had suffered a brain bleed and had bruises and cuts on her face and body. Tragically, she passed away just a couple of days later on February 14. It was reported that investigators determined the assault was carried out by two boys, ages 10 and 12, who were related as cousins.
The girls’ mothers, 26-year-old Dineshia Yates and 26-year-old Terica Scott, were found to have been gambling at a casino while leaving their children unattended at home. The authorities found that on the night of the incident, the two friends had left eight children, ranging from 11 months to 12 years old, home alone.
As a result of the incident, both women were arrested for principal to battery and principal to second-degree murder and were held on a $20,000 bond. The juvenile cousins were charged with battery and second-degree murder and were taken to a juvenile detention facility. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is also involved in the case.
This heartbreaking story has raised questions about the safety and welfare of children and the importance of responsible adult supervision. It has also shed light on the need for support services and resources for struggling families to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The community and local authorities are left reeling from the devastating loss of young Blessing and are working to ensure that justice is served for her and the other children involved. The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue to seek justice and accountability for this senseless act of violence against the innocent.