Probation for Baton Rouge Woman in Casino Trip Child Death Case

An aunt has been sentenced to five years’ probation after pleading guilty to negligent homicide and cruelty to a juvenile in connection with the death of her three-year-old niece, Blessing Buckles. Terica Denise Scott, 28, was arrested along with another woman, Dinesha Yates, who is serving two years in prison for manslaughter and second-degree cruelty to a juvenile.

The Tragic Events

On February 12, 2024, the pair left eight children, ranging from 11 months to 12 years old, at Scott’s home in Baton Rouge while they went to a nearby casino. One of the children called the sheriff’s office at around 3:45 pm about the injured girl and said she had stopped breathing. When the two mothers returned home, they found Blessing unresponsive and rushed her to the hospital, where she died two days later from blunt-force trauma and a fatal brain bleed.

The Charges Against Scott

Scott pleaded guilty to reduced charges of negligent homicide and cruelty to a juvenile, down from original charges of manslaughter and second-degree cruelty. She was sentenced to five years’ probation, suspended for five years, and is required to pay a fine and attend parenting classes.

History of Violence

Scott has a history of violence, having been arrested over 30 times since 2014 on counts of theft, criminal trespass, drug possession, and arson. In July 2021, she was indicted for second-degree murder in the shooting death of a woman named Dakayla Bailey.

The Case Against the Boys

Two boys, aged 10 and 12, who are Scott’s son and nephew, have been arrested and charged with murder. The status of that case is not immediately clear.

Causes of the Attack

The pair admitted to investigators that they regularly left the kids home alone, despite one of the older boys having a history of violence against the younger ones. Yates reported seeing bruises on at least one of her daughters after the children had been left alone with the boy.

Conclusion

In this tragic case, two young lives were lost due to the negligence and lack of supervision by their caregivers. The incident highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of our children, especially when they are left unsupervised. It is crucial for parents and caregivers to take responsibility for their actions and ensure that their children are protected from harm.