A Louisiana couple is facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly leaving their 4-year-old son unresponsive for approximately eight hours while they attended a college football game, according to the Scott Police Department. Mary Cormier, 36, and David Butt, 34, reportedly knew the child had ingested a THC gummy but chose to leave him in the care of another juvenile rather than seek immediate medical attention.
Background
The incident occurred on Sept. 13 in Scott, Louisiana, located roughly an hour away from Baton Rouge. Police state that Cormier and Butt were aware their young son had swallowed a THC gummy. Instead of transporting the child to a hospital, the couple allegedly left him with another minor to attend LSU’s Sept. 12 game against Louisiana Tech. The parents remained at the event for about eight hours before returning to their residence. Upon arrival, they allegedly found the 4-year-old breathing but unresponsive. Emergency services rushed the child to a local hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. The timeline suggests a prolonged period of neglect during which the child’s condition deteriorated without adult supervision or medical intervention.
The Charges
Cormier and Butt have each been charged with second-degree cruelty to juveniles, child desertion, and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles. Under Louisiana law, second-degree cruelty to juveniles involves cruel or abusive treatment that results in substantial bodily harm or poses a significant risk of such harm. Child desertion statutes criminalize the act of a parent or guardian abandoning a child under the age of 10 without making reasonable arrangements for their care, especially when the child is in a situation of danger or distress. The Scott Police Department has confirmed that the couple posted bond and has since been released from custody. The identity of the juvenile entrusted with the care of the 4-year-old has not been released by authorities. Police have not yet disclosed who the THC gummy belonged to or the specific circumstances leading to the child's ingestion of the edible.
Key Takeaways
- Mary Cormier and David Butt were charged with child desertion and second-degree cruelty to juveniles.
- The parents allegedly left their 4-year-old son with another juvenile for roughly eight hours to attend an LSU football game.
- The child was found breathing but unresponsive upon the parents' return and was hospitalized in the ICU.
- The couple has been released from custody after posting bond.
- The identity of the child's caregiver and the source of the THC gummy remain unknown.
What's Next
The incident remains under active investigation by the Scott Police Department. Authorities have not provided an update on the child's current medical status or whether he has been discharged from the intensive care unit. Further details regarding the juvenile caregiver and the specific timeline of the child's ingestion of the THC product are expected as the investigation progresses. Court dates for Cormier and Butt have not yet been publicly announced.