Louisiana Mother Arrested After Alligator Kills Disabled 12-Year-Old Son

Hilda Vasquez, the mother of 12-year-old Bryan Vasquez who was killed by an alligator after wandering from their New Orleans home, has been arrested and charged with second-degree cruelty to a juvenile and negligent homicide. Bryan, who had a neurodevelopmental disorder and was nonverbal, was last seen wearing an adult diaper when he left the house, and his body was found two weeks later in a lagoon near their home. Authorities revealed a history of abuse and neglect, including a previous conviction of Vasquez for child cruelty when Bryan was an infant, having suffered severe injuries such as a skull fracture and broken legs. Despite Bryan being removed from her care after the earlier abuse, he was eventually returned to Vasquez, who failed to take adequate steps to prevent him from leaving the house multiple times prior to his disappearance. Police emphasized the ongoing pattern of neglect and abuse over Bryan's 12 years, which they believe contributed to his suffering and death. The case has raised concerns about child welfare oversight and the adequacy of protective measures for vulnerable children.