"Disturbing" - Four arrested after newborn drowning

The investigation began when emergency medical personnel responded to a home within Farmerville after a report a female had given birth in the bathroom.

Paramedics arrived to find the newborn child unresponsive with its head submerged in the toilet. Life-saving measures were initiated at the scene and the child was transported to the hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the newborn died, UPSO said.

The investigation revealed statements made by those present at the scene conflicted with dispatch call logs and emergency response timelines. It was determined the newborn had been left submerged for several minutes before help was called.

Investigators also found no one at the scene attempted to remove the child from the toilet or provide aid before paramedics arrived. The death was ruled a homicide with the cause listed as drowning.

As a result of the UPSO investigation, warrants were obtained from a Third District Court judge for the following individuals:

Lindsey Nicole Washington, 21, of Marion, second degree murder

Lee Dell “Pop” Nation, Jr., 69, of Farmerville, second degree murder

Evelyn Nation, 74, of Farmerville, negligent homicide

Elaine Nation, 60, of Farmerville, negligent homicide

All four individuals were arrested last week and booked into the Union Parish Detention Center without incident. Bail for Washington and Lee Dell Nation was set at $750,000 each. Bail for Evelyn and Elaine Nation was set at $150,000 each.