Lake Charles, LA –
On May 2, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit detectives received a report from the Department of Children & Family Services in reference to a 7-month-old child that was neglected by her parents.
During the investigation, it was learned on April 26, the child was taken to a local hospital unconscious and not breathing. Further investigation revealed previously, on April 20, the baby had been released from the hospital after spending the first seven months of her life there due to medical issues at birth. When she was released to Marcus J. Blue, Sr., 47, and Brittany M. Nero, 26, both of Lake Charles, they were informed on how to properly feed her due to her having a breathing and feeding tube. The investigation revealed Blue, against doctor’s instructions, fed the baby from a bottle by mouth instead of by the feeding tube. The victim was also observed to appear dehydrated and suffering from a diaper rash that was bleeding from multiple open sores.
On May 29, after further investigation, Blue and Nero were arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and charged with 2nd degree cruelty to juveniles. Judge Tony Fazzio set their bonds at $500,000. Nero has since bonded out.
The victim was later transferred to a hospital out of town. She has been placed in state custody by the Department of Children & Family Services.
CPSO SVU Detective Eric Perry 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.