Child found deceased in pool

The Liberty County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call on West Pine Street in the City of Daisetta on the evening of February 22. A one-year-old child was reported missing by family members, and when deputies arrived, they were informed that a family member had discovered the child deceased in the neighbor’s aboveground swimming pool. The Sheriff’s Department Lead Investigator, Shandalynn Rhame stated when the emergency medical team arrived on the scene, CPR was being given to the child, who did not respond.

The parents, Londell Laviene and Bonnie Tarrant, told investigators they had put the child down for a nap, but when checking on her two hours later, the child was not in her bed. The parents believed the child had walked away and notified authorities about their missing child. After calling the authorities, they found the child deceased in the neighbor’s swimming pool.

Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace, Judge Ronnie Davis, conducted the inquest and ordered an autopsy.

On February 23, the parents of the child were arrested and charged with Interfering With Public Duties, a Class B Misdemeanor, and also with Resisting Arrest, a Class A Misdemeanor and taken to the Liberty County Jail.

Child Protective Services and their Fatality Investigation Unit are assisting in the investigation due to the parents having another child who drowned in Liberty County in 2015.

Laviene and Tarrant’s other four children were removed from the home and placed in CPS care. The Liberty County Sheriff’s Department is conducting an investigation with assistance from The Texas Rangers and the Daisetta Police Department.