According to officials, a child in eastern Louisiana was killed while waiting for a school bus when his grandma drove her SUV out of their driveway and struck him.
The Slidell Police Department stated on Monday that Kristen Anders, 55, has been charged with vehicular murder in the death of her grandson. Authorities suspect Anders was intoxicated when she killed the youngster.
It was around 7 a.m. on Monday, and the 5-year-old child was in his driveway at the home on the 300 block of Spartan Loop in Slidell, roughly 30 miles northeast of New Orleans. He was waiting for the bus to take him to school when a “tragedy” occurred.
The boy stood in front of his grandmother’s 2016 GMC Yukon, a large and sturdy SUV that was backed into the driveway. Police believe he was sitting. Anders suddenly drove the truck forward, hitting the youngster, “who was killed instantly,” according to authorities.
The mother was driving to work and “did not know that the child was outside,” according to authorities, and she came to a halt when she discovered she had driven over something. Nonetheless, when authorities arrived on the scene, she “exhibited signs of impairment.” Investigators concluded that she was “under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system suppressants.”
Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau described the situation as “very tragic,” saying that not only is a child deceased, but a family member has been charged with the killing. He believes it’s “very safe to say” Anders was unaware the youngster was in front of her car.
“This is any parent’s worst nightmare,” Seuzeneau remarked. “This has a significant impact on all of us.” We all have children or grandchildren about this age, as well as first responders who were present, and witnessing this is difficult for all of us.
“I spoke with the victim’s mother several times today, and there’s nothing I can say to make her feel better or improve the situation.” “All we can do is pray for peace,” the police chief said.
Following the crash, a neighbor heard screaming and calls for aid and phoned 911, according to local Fox affiliate WVUE. The child was later identified as Carson Lawson. The investigation is underway.
