Topline: A Jefferson Parish grand jury indicted a 37-year-old woman on a murder charge months after a newborn was found dead in a Gretna porta-potty.
Published: July 21, 2026 11:34 am ET
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Lakesha Lemelle (via Gretna Police)
GRETNA, LA — A Jefferson Parish grand jury has indicted 37-year-old Lakesha Lemelle on a second-degree murder charge after her newborn was found dead in a Gretna porta-potty earlier this year.
According to WWL-TV, the indictment marks the latest step in a case that began months ago when the newborn was discovered dead in the portable toilet in Gretna.
WWL-TV reported that Lemelle now faces a second-degree murder charge in connection with the baby’s death. The outlet’s report said the child was found earlier this year, and the grand jury indictment formally advances the homicide case.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Woman Indicted After Newborn Found Dead In Gretna Porta-Potty
A Jefferson Parish grand jury indicted a 37-year-old woman on a murder charge months after a newborn was found dead in a Gretna porta-potty.
By Silvia Torres
Published: July 21, 2026 11:34 am ET
Lakesha Lemelle (via Gretna Police)
GRETNA, LA — A Jefferson Parish grand jury has indicted 37-year-old Lakesha Lemelle on a second-degree murder charge after her newborn was found dead in a Gretna porta-potty earlier this year.
According to WWL-TV, the indictment marks the latest step in a case that began months ago when the newborn was discovered dead in the portable toilet in Gretna.
WWL-TV reported that Lemelle now faces a second-degree murder charge in connection with the baby’s death. The outlet’s report said the child was found earlier this year, and the grand jury indictment formally advances the homicide case.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Woman Indicted After Newborn Found Dead In Gretna Porta-Potty
A Jefferson Parish grand jury indicted a 37-year-old woman on a murder charge months after a newborn was found dead in a Gretna porta-potty.
By Silvia Torres
Published: July 21, 2026 11:34 am ET
Lakesha Lemelle (via Gretna Police)
GRETNA, LA — A Jefferson Parish grand jury has indicted 37-year-old Lakesha Lemelle on a second-degree murder charge after her newborn was found dead in a Gretna porta-potty earlier this year.
According to WWL-TV, the indictment marks the latest step in a case that began months ago when the newborn was discovered dead in the portable toilet in Gretna.
WWL-TV reported that Lemelle now faces a second-degree murder charge in connection with the baby’s death. The outlet’s report said the child was found earlier this year, and the grand jury indictment formally advances the homicide case.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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