Officials: Mother 2nd arrest in burning death of infant son

NATCHITOCHES, La. – Louisiana authorities have arrested a woman whose 6-month-old son was burned to death last week, accusing her of involvement in his death.

The state Fire Marshal’s Office says 22-year-old Hannah Barker of Natchitoches (NAK-uh-tesh) was arrested Wednesday on a charge of principal to first-degree murder in the death of Levi Cole Ellerbe. Spokeswoman Ashley Rodrigue wouldn’t elaborate, citing the ongoing investigation.

Authorities say Barker told police July 17 that strangers had kidnapped Levi after banging on her door and spraying her with a chemical. The child was found after a woman reported a fire near some railroad tracks. The infant died in a hospital.

Rodrigue says Barker knew 25-year-old Felicia Marie-Nicole Smith, who was arrested Saturday on a first-degree murder charge.

It’s not immediately clear whether the women have attorneys.