Police in Louisiana have arrested three adults in connection with the death of a child. Rayshawn Curtis Lard, known as Nico, died on February 13, 2025, in Bienville Parish. Police say three women showed up at an area hospital with the body of a dead 3-year-old, and authorities immediately began investigating his death. Police arrested Kewanna Monique Lard, 44, Dewanequa Monique Nykeria Lard, 23, and Szysznyk DeWayne Phillips, 48. Sadly, it appears Nico wasn’t the only child at the home, and a 14-year-old allegedly also had suffered abuse.
Per a press release posted on social media from the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s office, although the adults have yet to be charged with murder, authorities have obtained enough evidence to arrest the trio on abuse charges.
“Following an autopsy, investigators began to look further into suspected physical abuse of the deceased child as well as a fourteen-year-old child who resided in the same household,” the release reads. “Investigators obtained sufficient evidence to obtain arrest warrants for the following individuals and their charges: Kewanna Monique Lard, 44, charged with Cruelty to Juveniles, Second Degree Cruelty to Juveniles, Obstruction of Justice; Dewanequa Monique Nykeria Lard, 23, same charges as Kewanna Lard; Szysznyk DeWayne Phillips, 48, Cruelty to Juveniles.”
According to his obituary, “Nico was born in Castor La, he was the age of 3 who loved paw patrol. He loved his mom, siblings, and cookies. He loved to run around scare the kids and throw his ball.”
Many people posted on the sheriff’s office Facebook page expressing outrage.
“Heartbreaking, he was such a shy, calm and sweet little boy. He didn’t deserve this at all, no kid should be neglected by anyone and especially those who are within their bloodline,” one person wrote. “The system failed him as well. The autopsy is proof and I pray justice be served- Condolences to those who unconditionally loved him.”
Another wrote, “We don’t know what goes on behind closed doors !! Poor babies !!!”
Some commenters, however, claimed to know the family and asked the public not to judge. One wrote, “I don’t believe they abuse no children I’m just saying I know the family never knew them to do this…SO IM PRAYING FOR THEM,, AND MY Nieces AND NEPHEWS!!!!!!!
“JUSTICE FOR THE BABY IF ANYTHING HAPPEN BUT I JUST DON’T BELIEVE THEY ABUSE THEM KIDS,” another person wrote.
A family member agreed. “I’m going to say this .. not cause it’s my family…. No of this is true .. the oldest child is just looking for attention… and he don’t understand what he is doing and saying is a very serious matter and have very serious consequences..I know for a fact my family didn’t do none of things that they are being accused of..,” the person wrote. “it’s that things will be said to degrade them as a person and hurt their creditably to make BPSO look good like they’re really doing their job… I understand if a child say that they’re are being abused they have to investigate…. And all suspects are innocent until proven guilty… but here in Bienville Parish it is guilty until proven innocent.”
Police took the individuals to Bienville Parish Jail, each with a $100,000 cash bond. The sheriff’s office noted that all three suspects resided together in a home on Lard Street in Lucky, and that the investigation continues. “Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, no further details will be given at this time,” police noted in the release.
If you suspect child abuse, you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-Child) or go to Childhelp.org. The hotline is available 24/7.
