BREAKING: Two arrested in death of 13-year-old who weighed 28 pounds

Published 11:47 am Friday, February 17, 2023

The parents of a severely malnourished 13-year-old Lake Arthur teenager who died last year have been charged with murder in connection with his death.

Adam Duhon, 40, and Jennifer Ann Duhon, 40, of Lake Arthur were arrested Thursday for second-degree murder by the Jeff Davis Parish Sheriff’s Office after it was found that their son died from complications of malnutrition.

They are being held without bond.

Email newsletter signup

Hospital records indicated that the teen was 42 inches tall and weighed 28 pounds at the time of death, according to information released Friday by the Sheriff’s Office..

Chief Deputy Chris Ivey said detectives began investigating the case last October after the Department of Family and Services notified them after the teen died Oct. 17 at Lady’s of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge.

An autopsy determined the cause of death as a homicide due to complications from malnutrition.

The autopsy was performed Oct. 24, but was not received by the Jeff Davis Parish Coroner’s Office until Jan. 10.

As part of the ongoing investigation, detectives have been interviewing neighbors and family members and reviewing medical records.

Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Ivey at the Sheriff’s Office at 337-821-2100.

If convicted of second-degree murder, the parents would face life in prison without parole.