Baton Rouge woman gets probation after death of 3-year-old girl

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A Baton Rouge woman pleaded guilty to two charges after the death of a three-year-old child in 2024.

Terica Scott, 28, was initially charged with manslaughter and second-degree cruelty to juveniles. She withdrew her not-guilty plea and pleaded guilty to the amended charges of negligent homicide and cruelty to a juvenile.

Court records show that Scott was sentenced to 15 years for both charges, which was suspended. She will now serve five years’ probation and pay $2,500 in fines and $404.75 in court fees.

A felony probation review is scheduled for Sept. 30.

Scott’s co-defendant, Dineshia Yates, 28, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and second-degree cruelty to juveniles and faces a 24-month sentence.

On Feb. 12, 2024, deputies with the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office responded to a home in the 3000 block of O’Neal Lane to a medical assistance request. Upon arrival, deputies found a three-year-old female in critical condition with a brain bleed and bruises. The toddler died days later at the hospital.

Further investigation revealed that eight juveniles between the ages of 11 months and 12 years old were left unattended for several hours, according to EBRSO. Both Scott and Yates were reportedly at the casino at the time of the incident.

Two juveniles were arrested and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Detention Center on charges of simple battery and second-degree murder.

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