Police in Louisiana have charged a 25-year-old woman with the murder of a 6-month-old boy, who died last week — hours after being kidnapped and set on fire.
PEOPLE learns that Felicia Marie-Nicole Smith is facing a single first-degree murder charge in the death of Levi Cole Ellerbe.
Levi died on Wednesday after sustaining severe burns, according to a statement from the Natchitoches Police Department.
Smith was arrested on Saturday.
Investigators have not disclosed the nature of the relationship — if any exists — between Smith, Levi or his mother.
The police statement alleges that Levi’s mother was sprayed in the face with a chemical — possibly mace — after opening her door for two men who knocked on her trailer door at around 9 p.m. on July 17.
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The statement contends the mother fled the Natchitoches trailer to escape the men and when she returned a short time later, she discovered Levi was gone.
Officers responded to the trailer and combed the area searching for Levi.
Natchitoches Police Department/Facebook
Police did not disclose what led them to arrest Smith, and did not disclose if the two men are being sought for their roles in the kidnapping.
It was also unclear if Smith was connected to the two men.
It was unclear Tuesday if Smith had appeared before a judge to plead to the charge.
Information on her attorney was unavailable.
Smith remains in police custody without bail, PEOPLE confirms.
source: people.com
