South Bowie child homicide

On June 8, 2017, a three-year-old boy was found unconscious and not breathing in the 4000 block of South Bowie Street in Amarillo. He died two days later, and his death was ultimately ruled a homicide. In August 2017, 44-year-old Laura Alethia Garrison — identified as a home health care professional who had been caring for the child outside the home — was arrested and charged in connection with his death.

The incident

On June 8, 2017, Amarillo police officers were called to the 4000 block of South Bowie Street, where they found a three-year-old boy unconscious and not breathing. He was transported to a local hospital before being transferred to a hospital in Fort Worth for further treatment. The child died on June 10, 2017. The Amarillo Police Department's Special Crimes Unit took over the investigation following his death.

Autopsy and homicide ruling

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office performed an autopsy on the child. On August 10, 2017, the manner of death was officially ruled a homicide. At that point, the Special Crimes Unit continued its investigation, and no arrests had yet been made. Police asked anyone with information to contact Special Crimes at 378-9468.

Arrest

On Wednesday, August 23, 2017, Amarillo police arrested 44-year-old Laura Alethia Garrison in connection with the child's death. She was charged with Injury to a Child Intentionally Causing Serious Bodily Injury. Police identified Garrison as a home health care professional who had been caring for the child outside of the home at the time of the incident.

People involved

Timeline

Sources

• APD: June Child Death Ruled Homicide — Amarillo Pioneer, Aug. 14, 2017
• Amarillo police arrest woman in death of 3-year-old — KVII ABC 7 Amarillo