A Shreveport woman faces a mandatory life sentence after a Caddo District Court conviction. The case involves a tragic death that occurred four years earlier.
On July 11, 2024, Judge Donald Hathaway Jr. found Tatiana Burns guilty of second-degree murder. The conviction followed a bench trial where she waived her right to a jury.
The victim was an 18-month-old girl identified only as A.W. The child died on June 5, 2020, while under the defendant’s care. Burns was not related to the toddler but had been entrusted with her supervision.
Prosecutors presented extensive medical evidence during the trial. Their case proved the caregiver caused the fatal injuries. The verdict came after careful consideration of testimony and forensic reports.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 23, 2024. The court will formally impose the life term without parole possibilities. The case has drawn significant media attention for its heartbreaking circumstances.
Tatiana Burns: Background and Incident Overview
A prior investigation from 2013 casts a long shadow over the 2020 incident that resulted in a toddler’s death. The woman at the center of the case was a 42-year-old Shreveport resident who provided childcare for children outside her family.
This was not the first time a child in her care faced harm.
Profile and Public Persona
Burns operated a childcare service from her home. This continued despite a troubling history. In 2013, she was investigated for torturing another non-familial child.
That investigation led to the child’s removal from her custody. Yet, she resumed caring for other children years later.
Timeline of the Tragic Incident
The fatal event unfolded in June 2020. The victim was an 18-month-old girl identified as A.W., placed in the woman’s care.
According to admissions made to the Shreveport police, the timeline was harrowing. Burns stated she discovered the toddler unresponsive.
| Time Period | Caregiver’s Actions | Child’s Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Discovery | Began forcibly shaking the child | Unresponsive |
| Approx. 45-60 minutes | Continued violent shaking to revive | No response |
| Drive to Hospital | Stopped at red lights to shake child | Remained unresponsive |
| June 5, 2020 | Child admitted to hospital | Pronounced dead from injuries |
The child never regained consciousness. The death of this toddler marked the second severe abuse case linked to the same caregiver.
Her statements to law enforcement detailed a sequence of actions that proved fatal.
Case Details: Evidence and Testimonies
The courtroom testimony painted a devastating picture of what happened to the toddler in the caregiver’s custody. Prosecutors presented a compelling case built on multiple sources of evidence.
Medical Testimonies and Expert Insights
Four physicians testified with unanimous agreement about the fatal injuries. Their medical evidence showed severe brain swelling and bleeding.
The doctors explained these injuries resulted from violent, prolonged shaking. They confirmed the child suffered acute abusive head trauma.
Witness Accounts and Investigative Findings
Eleven witnesses provided crucial testimony about the events. Police compiled evidence showing the caregiver had exclusive access.
The investigation established a clear timeline of the fatal incident. Witness accounts confirmed Burns was the sole caretaker when injuries occurred.
History of Prior Concerns and Investigations
A 2013 investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse. Another child had suffered torture severe enough for removal.
Despite this history, Tatiana Burns continued providing childcare. Evidence from both investigations showed repeated abuse concerns.
The combination of medical testimony and witness accounts created an overwhelming case. This evidence proved crucial for the conviction.
Courtroom Proceedings and Legal Implications
Judge Donald Hathaway Jr. presided over a case that would ultimately rest entirely on his judicial discretion. The defendant’s choice to waive a jury trial placed the weight of decision-making squarely on the bench.
Trial Developments and Judicial Deliberations
The proceedings in Caddo District Court unfolded systematically. Prosecutors presented their case over multiple days, building a compelling narrative supported by evidence.
Shreveport police testimony proved crucial in establishing the timeline. Judge Hathaway carefully evaluated all testimony and forensic reports during the bench trial.
After both sides rested their cases, the court moved into deliberation phase. The judge’s analysis of the evidence led to a definitive conclusion.
Charges, Sentencing, and Legal Analysis
On July 11, 2024, the court found the defendant guilty of second-degree murder. This murder conviction carried automatic sentencing requirements under Louisiana law.
The mandatory life sentence without parole possibilities left no judicial discretion. Sentencing was scheduled for July 23, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. local time.
This timeline allowed for preparation of pre-sentencing documentation. The Caddo District Court maintained procedural integrity throughout the emotionally charged trial.
Final Reflections on the Tatiana Burns Case
Police work and thorough investigation ultimately secured the conviction that will keep this caregiver imprisoned for life. The mandatory life sentence for second-degree murder reflects Louisiana’s serious approach to violent crimes.
Burns will serve her time with no possibility of parole, probation, or sentence suspension. This ensures accountability for the death of 18-month-old A.W. The sentence cannot restore the toddler’s life but provides justice.
The case highlights systemic failures in childcare vetting. Despite a 2013 investigation, this Shreveport woman continued caring for children. The outcome serves as a critical reminder about protecting the most vulnerable.
