Lake Charles, LA –
On October 19, at approximately 4:00 a.m. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a local hospital in reference to a 4 month old baby being treated for serious head injuries, as a result of suspected child abuse.
During the initial investigation, detectives learned the baby was in the care of Jordan S. Tupper, 23, Sulphur, when the injuries occurred. When detectives spoke with Tupper he gave numerous conflicting stories on how the injuries may have “accidently” occurred; none of which were consistent with the extent of injuries the baby sustained. Hospital personnel advised detectives the baby suffered from non-accidental traumatic head injuries. On October 20, after further investigation, detectives arrested Tupper and he was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with 2nd degree cruelty to a juvenile. Judge David Ritchie set his bond at $950,000.
Due to the severity of his injuries, the child was taken to a hospital out of town for emergency surgery. The child remains in ICU in critical condition.
The victim was placed in state custody by the Department of Children & Family Services.
CPSO Detective Sonny Schiro is the lead investigator on this case.
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.