U.S. soldier and girlfriend charged with murder after baby and three dogs starve

Published Jul 18, 03:06 PM UTC

Federal prosecutors have charged U.S. Army soldier Ladarrion McCray, 23, and his girlfriend Emma Bradshaw, 22, with felony murder by child abuse, aggravated animal cruelty, and making false statements. The couple allegedly deprived their infant son, identified as L.M., of necessary sustenance for roughly two weeks in January 2026, leading to his death on January 28. Investigators found two severely malnourished dogs in the home and a third dachshund discarded in a trash can, which a necropsy confirmed died of starvation. Both defendants pleaded not guilty on June 11 and were released on bond with pretrial supervision. McCray is undergoing discharge proceedings from the Army and was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation. If convicted, they face life in prison. Their next court appearance is scheduled for July 22 in federal court in Columbus, Georgia.