There are new developments in the death of a St. Landry Parish toddler. 25 year old Napoleon Prudhomme was indicted this week for the manslaughter of 2 year old Marla Keys.
The incident happened nearly three months ago, when Prudhomme was watching his girl friend's child. According to reports filed by the District Attorney, Prudhomme and Keys were on their way home when the child was placed on the front passenger floor of a Buick Century.
Prudhomme claims the toddler was jumping around in the backseat and would not sit down. That's when he says Keys began banging her head against the dash board. In an attempt to stop her, Prudhomme yanked her by her arms several times. An hour later, the toddler was unresponsive.
"We interviewed Napoleon Prudhomme and he has confessed to the shaken baby syndrome," said Sheriff Bobby Giudroz, with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office.
Prudhomme was arrested two weeks after the incident. His neighbors say they were shocked to hear what happened.
"Well, I couldn't believe it... right there, right next door. We don't have that kind of stuff around here," said Lynic Stelly.
"He wasn't a violent person, very nice and homely... Stayed at home a lot," said Winona Thomas.
If found guilty, Prudhomme faces up to 40 years at hard labor. He is currently out on bail.


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