Shreveport Police officers responded to a distressing situation near Sussex Avenue and Corbett Street on May 6 at approximately 5:30pm. A school bus driver reported discovering a young child—approximately three years old—running naked in the street during a rainstorm. The child had taken shelter on the bus by the time officers arrived.
Through the initial investigation, officers were led to a nearby residence in the 5300 block of Sussex Avenue, where the child indicated she lived. Upon arrival, officers found the front door of the residence lacked a functioning doorknob. After announcing their presence, they were met by the child’s mother, identified as Kaneesha Williams.
Officers conducted a welfare check inside the home and were met with deplorable living conditions. The residence had no furniture and was littered with trash. The kitchen appeared to have been uncleaned for an extended period, with dirty dishes piled throughout and no refrigerator or food in sight.
Further investigation revealed that multiple children had been living in the home. A single mattress was found on the floor surrounded by clothing. The bathroom was in an unsanitary state, with toilets and bathtubs filled with feces and urine. Officers determined the plumbing was non-functional.
As a result of the investigation, Kaneesha Williams was taken into custody and charged with four counts of Criminal Neglect of Family, one for each child residing in the home.
The Department of Children and Family Services was immediately contacted and responded to the scene, along with Shreveport Police juvenile detectives.
This case was deeply troubling for all involved, and the Shreveport Police Department remains committed to protecting the welfare of the most vulnerable members of the community—children. SPD urges anyone aware of similar situations to contact authorities immediately.