Shreveport man arraigned on 1st degree murder in death of his baby
By: Nancy Cook
Updated: June 13, 2012
A Shreveport man was today arraigned for the first degree murder in the death of his 1-month-old baby five years ago, and injuries to his then 3-month old son in March.
Kenneth Willis, 28, was arrested in March and charged with 2nd degree murder of his infant child five years ago, and 2nd degree cruelty to a juvenile to his 3-month old in March.
A Caddo Parish Grand Jury, however, on Monday indicted him on one count of 1st degree murder for the death of the infant, and one count of 2nd degree cruelty to a juvenile for the injuries sustained by the 3-month old.
First degree murder is punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment without possibility of probation, parole or suspension, while second degree murder is punishable by mandatory life in prison without possibility of probation, parole or suspension.
The investigation began in March, after the owner of the local daycare contacted police about a 3-month-old in her care who had suspicious injuries. Detectives went to the child's home in a local apartment complex and noting the baby seemed lethargic, called an EMS crew to transport the child to the hospital.
Willis and the child's mother were taken to the police station where they were questioned and then released pending a report from hospital personnel as to the extent of the child's injuries. As the investigation continued, detectives learned in February of 2007, Willis had a 1-month old son, Zamian Willis, who died after being taken to a local hospital under similar circumstances.
It was later determined Zamian died as the result of head injuries and multiple fractures, much like the injuries sustained by the 3-month old. Neither were consistent with an accidental fall.
