Franklinton Mother Charged With Murder of Her Child

On Wednesday (March 19, 2025), the Franklinton Police Department reported the arrest of 24 year-old Autumn Hano Harper of Franklinton on the charge of 1st Degree Murder. FPD further reports that Harper was arrested following a voluntary inculpatory statement in which she implicated herself in the commission of the aforementioned crime. 

On Wednesday (March 12, 2025), the Franklinton Police Department was summoned to Riverside Medical Center in reference to an 8 month-old child who had sustained severe injuries, to include multiple healing and current broken bones. The child was air flighted to Children's Hospital in New Orleans where on Monday (March 17, 2025), the child succumbed to its injuries.

FPD identified Harper as the biological mother of the child.

Franklinton Detectives worked tirelessly, interviewing witnesses and suspects which culminated in Harper's arrest. Harper has been booked into the Washington Parish Jail pending bond.

Chief Justin Brown stated that he “commends the work put forth by the officers and detectives in the case. This was a tragic event which will have a long lasting effect on all involved. Our prayers go out to the family for the loss of this beautiful child. In over thirty years in law enforcement, I have never experienced a case like this one; it's absolutely heartbreaking.”

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.