Memphis Police have arrested the mother of baby Aniston, who was found dead in a ditch over the weekend, for murder.
Andrea Walker, mother of the 7-weeks-old baby girl, was charged with first-degree murder, Monday, police officials said. Aniston was reported missing Jan. 9. Police then started a three-day manhunt, which ceased after no clues were forthcoming.
According to the police, a motorcyclist found the body of a baby Sunday in Millington, about a half-hour north of Memphis. They later confirmed that the body was of baby Aniston. The authorities said they identified Aniston through the physical description and clothing on the body, reports the Associated Press citing a police news release. However, the officials did not confirm the cause of death. An autopsy was scheduled for Monday.
"I would say that it seems like the body has been there for some time," Millington Police Chief Rita Stanback said after the body was discovered. "It's less than a year old, wearing an onsie," she said, reports KAIT8.
Walker initially told the police that she noticed Aniston missing after she reached home dropping her 5-year-old child to school. She stated that Aniston was at home with her 3-years-old sibling. She then called the baby's father, who does not live with them, and he reported the baby missing.
The mother left the house again leaving the 3-year-old toddler alone in the house for an hour. Police had then charged her with abuse and neglect. However she was freed on $250,000 bond. "It is heartbreaking to confirm that an innocent child's life has been taken," Police Director Toney Armstrong said in a statement, "but now family members of Aniston Walker can have closure and begin the healing process of losing a loved one."
The mother was charges with two counts; first degree murder and child endangerment along with aggravated child abuse.
