Babysitter Accused of Killing Baby in Clothes Dryer

(Harvey, Louisiana) A 19-year-old babysitter, Ariel Smith, was arrested Thursday by Jefferson Parish Sheriff's deputies for allegedly killing a 5-month-old baby by putting him into a clothes dryer and turning it on. The infant, Andre Jenkins, was declared dead when the emergency responders arrived.

According to JPSO spokesman Col. John Fortunato, Andre and his 18-month-old brother were dropped off at Smith's residence by their mother, Brandy Dozier, before going to work. At 11:15 AM, Smith called 911, claiming that the infant wasn't breathing.

Smith first told investigators that burns on the child's body were received when his brother pushed a pot of boiling water from her stove onto the child, he said.

Under questioning by homicide detective Keith Locascio, Smith later admitted the infant sustained the burns when she placed him into the clothes dryer, turned it on and left the room, Fortunato said.

"She stated she was frustrated with the child, " Fortunato said.

Smith was booked into custody on a charge of first-degree murder.