Deputy Sheriff Arrest Mother on Charges of 2nd Degree Murder

Ouachita Parish Sheriff Deputies say a mother is responsible for the death of her newborn baby boy. Ashley Johnson is charged with second degree murder. According to a police report, the 20 year old stabbed the baby several times with scissors just after giving birth to it. Neighbors say Ashley and her family were like others in the neighborhood. From what they knew of the family, they were nice people. "She used to come out and go walking sometimes,” said Vivian Jackson, a neighbor. “But she stayed in the house most of the times." But on Wednesday, Sheriff Deputies say they met a different Ashley Johnson. Sheriff Deputies say they were called here to the St. Francis Medical Center. They say they responded to a call about an injured baby boy. But, they say once they arrived, they made a gruesome discovery. Deputies say they found a deceased child with deep cuts to the neck and shoulder. They say when Ashley Johnson was questioned, she told them she had an idea she was pregnant, but didnt tell anybody. Deputies say before coming to the hospital she had given birth to the baby at home. "The last time I saw her you could really tell,” continued Jackson. “Thats why I was like, how could someone not know she was pregnant." Thats where police say she claims she tried to cut the umbilical cord and may have accidentally hit the babys neck. According to a police report the autopsy revealed deep cuts to the babys neck and shoulder. Police say all the cuts appeared to be intentional.