Tragic Incident in Amite
A 30-year-old man from Amite, Louisiana, has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder following the fatal stabbings of his 1-year-old son, his 40-year-old sister, and her 10-year-old son. The incident occurred on Thursday, leaving the community reeling from the loss.
The victims were identified by family members as Hayden Madison, Rhonda Powell, and Braylon Powell.
Mental Health Concerns Raised
According to relatives, the suspect had been battling schizophrenia and began hearing voices the day before the tragic killings. Family members had taken him to a hospital, urging medical staff to admit him for inpatient psychiatric care, but their request was denied.
“The hospital gave him a different type of medication than he usually takes and sent him home,” said Deondra Robertson-Warner, a cousin of the victims. “No one in that home survived because the mental health system failed him.”
Investigation and Arrest
The suspect was arrested at the scene and remains in custody in St. Helena Parish. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that all three victims were deceased when deputies arrived.
As of Saturday, the suspect had not yet appeared before a judge, and it was unclear if he had legal representation.
Family’s Grief and Call for Accountability
The suspect and his young son had been living with Rhonda Powell at the time of the attack. Relatives expressed anger and frustration with the healthcare system, alleging that the hospital’s refusal to admit the suspect for psychiatric care directly contributed to the tragedy.
“Had he been committed, he would be where he needed to be today, and my other family members would be alive,” Robertson-Warner told reporters.
Mental Health System Under Scrutiny
The incident has sparked renewed debate about the effectiveness of Louisiana’s mental health system. Families and advocates are calling for better resources and protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.