In a bizarre turn of events, two young children from the same family have made headlines in Louisiana after being found in separate incidents on the side of a busy highway. One-year-old Brandon was discovered crawling along Interstate 10 by a concerned truck driver on July 12, while his four-year-old brother, Aiden, was found deceased near the Vinton Welcome Center on July 10.
The events leading up to these discoveries began when Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office received a call about a body being located in a pond near the Vinton Welcome Center. An autopsy report is pending for Aiden, and the cause of his death remains unknown.
On July 12, truck driver Reginald Walton noticed something unusual while driving along Interstate 10. He saw a small figure crawling through the grass alongside the highway and quickly pulled over to investigate. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was a one-year-old boy in remarkable condition.
Brandon was taken to a local hospital for examination and later released into the care of authorities. Sheriff Gary Guillory described Brandon as a 'miracle baby' who had survived two days alone with no water or food, thanks to the cool weather from Hurricane Beryl that may have kept him hydrated.
Meanwhile, Aaliyah Jack, Brandon and Aiden's mother, was arrested in Mississippi on July 12 for failing to report a missing child. She is currently awaiting extradition to Louisiana on this charge. Additional charges may be added as the investigation continues.
The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office issued a 'bolo' (be on the lookout) alert for Brandon and his mother after receiving a call from a concerned grandmother who had seen news reports of Aiden's death and was worried about her grandchildren. Ms. Jack was located at a train station in Mississippi hours later.
Both children were last seen with their mother on July 8, and authorities believe that Brandon may have been alone for the entire two days before being found by Mr. Walton.
The community is shocked by these events, and Sheriff Guillory expressed his gratitude for the quick actions of Reginald Walton in saving Brandon's life. The investigation into this tragic situation is ongoing.
