More charges filed in burning death of 6-month-old

Update: More charges have been filed against two people believed to be involved with the death of a 6-month-old baby.

Authorities say Hannah Barker and Felicia Marie-Nicole Smith have both been charged with Criminal Conspiracy. Hannah Barker was the mother of 6-month-old Levi Ellerbe.

------------------

Authorities say the mother of a 6-month-old who died after suffering severe burns has been arrested.

According to the Natchitoches Police Department, 22-year-old Hannah Barker on Wednesday after claiming that someone maced her and then kidnapped her baby. She has been charged with Principal to 1st Degree Murder.

The following news release was just sent to KNOE:

"The Natchitoches Police Department and the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office have worked tirelessly together in order to learn the facts behind this Homicide. The two agencies have worked as one since this investigation’s conception through extremely long days and nights with little to no sleep."

"On July 25, 2018, Hannah Barker, W/F, 22 years of age, was charged with Principal to 1st Degree Murder in the killing of her 6-month-old baby boy, Levi Ellerbe. Barker was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center awaiting a 72-hour hearing."

"Earlier this week, Natchitoches resident Felicia Marie-Nicole Smith was arrested for 1st Degree Murder in the case. An additional charge is expected to be brought against Smith."

"Due to the extremely rapidly growing nature of this investigation, we must continue to restrict the information that is released. Therefore, NO FURTHER INFORMATION SHALL BE RELEASED AT THIS TIME. Thank you for your cooperation. - Approved for release by Chief M. Dove"

According to Natchitoches Police, Barker reported her son had been kidnapped on July 17th. She told police that two people came to her home just before 9:10 PM and started banging on her door. When she answered, she said, they sprayed her in the face with mace. She says she ran from her home to get away from her attackers and when she circled back around, her baby was gone.

Investigators say they then received a report of a fire near Breda Avenue around 10:20 PM that same night. When they arrived, they found the body of the woman's 6-month-old child with burns on his body. He died at the hospital a short time later.

Investigators have not disclosed the relationship between Hannah Barker and Felicia Marie-Nicole Smith.