Mother Charged After Son’s Crocodile Attack Death

A mother has been charged with negligent murder after her 12-year-old son was attacked and killed by a crocodile shortly after he escaped from their New Orleans home.

Hilda Vazquez, 34, was arrested on Sunday, nearly a month after her son, Brian Vasquez, who was nonverbal, went missing. His body was discovered in a lagoon close to their home weeks after he had vanished.

In addition to the murder charge, Vazquez faces a second charge related to cruelty. Both charges could lead to a prison sentence of up to ten years.

According to the arrest warrant, on the day Brian climbed out of a window, his mother had left him alone with his 11-year-old sister. It was noted that Brian had a history of running away, prompting concerns that his mother didn’t adequately check on him.

Authorities mentioned that she failed to take necessary precautions to secure the home, given her son’s special needs and the past incidents involving his escape.

While the family described Brian as being nonverbal and autistic, documents revealed that his condition stemmed from “traumatic brain damage” caused by abuse from his mother when he was just three months old.

Deputy Director Nicholas Gernon informed reporters that there was a long-standing pattern of neglect and abuse over Brian’s life. He emphasized that these patterns likely contributed to the severe pain and suffering the boy endured.

On August 14th, security footage showed Brian climbing through a window around 5 AM and wandering outside in adult diapers. He was last seen an hour later. His body was found on August 26 by a volunteer rescue group, showing signs of injury consistent with a crocodile attack.

Vazquez had previously been convicted for severe abuse against Brian at three months old, resulting in serious injuries including a fractured skull and broken leg. She has stated she was unaware of how these injuries occurred and claimed she was wrongfully accused.

Authorities had previously taken Brian from her care, but he was returned by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services at one point.

New Orleans Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick announced that an internal investigation is underway regarding a five-hour delay in response to a 911 call reporting Brian missing.

Additionally, police have requested the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to address the crocodile population in the lagoon.

Vazquez is scheduled for a bond hearing next week.