SerpApi.Org
An infant and a dog reportedly passed away at Fort Benning United States Army Post near Columbus, Georgia, in early 2026. More than six months later, a federal jury indicted the infant’s parents on eight counts related to the deaths.
The baby’s mother, 22-year-old Emma Bradshaw, lived on base with the baby’s father, 23-year-old Ladarrion McCray, an active-duty soldier. The couple allegedly starved their infant to death and abused their animals, resulting in the death of one of the family’s dogs.
Police reportedly arrested the couple shortly after they arrived at Fort Benning.
According to a release from U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes, McCray arrived at Fort Benning first, and a pregnant Bradshaw joined him not long after. Prosecutors alleged Bradshaw and McCray “willfully deprived their son of necessary sustenance between Jan. 14 and Jan. 28.” The infant died on January 28. But the baby apparently wasn’t the only victim.
The couple allegedly mistreated animals, too.
Authorities issued a search warrant the day the baby died and reportedly found two dogs in the residence that appeared severely malnourished.
“The third dog, the dachshund, was located deceased in a trash barrel outside of the home. The two surviving animals were brought to an animal shelter on Fort Benning, where medical evaluation revealed they were experiencing severe malnourishment and significant muscle wasting,” per the release.
Investigators performed a necropsy, which concluded the dog died from starvation.
The couple allegedly lied to investigators about what happened to their animals.
When speaking with the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division special agents, Bradshaw and McCray allegedly claimed neither their child nor the dog showed any signs of illness prior to their deaths. The couple reportedly claimed they buried the dog at a park on Fort Benning property, but investigators found it inside a trash can at their residence.
“The indictment alleges both knew their son was suffering from severe malnourishment prior to his death, and that the dog’s remains were placed in a garbage bag and disposed of in the household trash near their residence. McCray is currently subject to discharge proceedings to remove him from military service as a result of the alleged conduct,” according to police.
The couple faces life in prison.
Bradshaw and McCray face multiple charges, including felony murder by child abuse, one count of cruelty to children in the first degree, making false statements, animal crushing, aggravated animal cruelty, and two counts of animal cruelty.
Many people expressed horror about the alleged crimes online and hope Bradshaw and McCray never leave prison.
“I really don’t care what is done to the two of these monsters, just like they didn’t care about their child and pets that they intentionally allowed to suffer and die. Just keep them away from civilized and decent humans. How can these two even be called human beings?” Someone wrote.
If convicted, the couple faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
