A 21-year-old mother, Jasmine Latson, from Wharton County has been formally charged with capital murder in relation to the death of her daughter. Following an extensive investigation by local authorities and the Texas Rangers, Latson turned herself in to the Wharton Police after she and her attorney were made aware of an arrest warrant for her, according to Click2Houston.
Latson is being accused of killing her 2-year-old daughter, Zayla Laitkep, who died in April. Reported by FOX26 Houston, the young child was brought to the OakBend Medical Center with breathing difficulties before being pronounced dead. The Wharton Police have not disclosed details regarding the investigation or the evidence that led to the capital murder charge, nor have they released an autopsy report.
In April, the Wharton Police Department made a post indicating the child's death after being brought to the medical facility, but further information has been scarce. The specifics of the evidence that led to Latson’s arrest remain unclear as the police have stated that more details will be disclosed when they are available. Latson, through her representation, has consistently denied the allegations against her.
Latson's lawyer, Kenneth Allen, in a statement obtained by FOX26 Houston, expressed his concern about the lack of transparency in the process, "Jasmine denies these accusations and maintains her innocence. We have seen no evidence, no proof, not even an autopsy report—yet law enforcement has rushed to arrest her without transparency or accountability." Allen and Latson are currently awaiting further information, maintaining their position of innocence as the situation continues to unfold amid ongoing uncertainty.
