Young Mother Charged With Capital Murder In 2-Year-Old Daughter’s Death

by Gee NY

A 21-year-old mother from Wharton has been charged with capital murder in the April death of her 2-year-old daughter, according to local authorities.

Jasmine Latson surrendered to police on Friday, June 6, after she and her attorney, Kenneth Allen, were notified that a capital murder warrant had been issued in connection with the death of her daughter, Zayla Laitkep.

The Wharton Police Department announced that the charge comes after what it described as an “extensive investigation” conducted in collaboration with the Texas Rangers. However, specific details surrounding the investigation and the nature of the evidence supporting the capital murder charge have not been made public.

Zayla was brought to OakBend Medical Center earlier this year after experiencing difficulty breathing. She was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the facility.

Authorities initially shared that information in an April post, but have since remained tight-lipped about the circumstances leading to her death.

Latson’s attorney issued a strongly worded statement on Facebook criticizing the investigation and defending his client’s innocence.

“Jasmine denies these accusations and maintains her innocence,” Allen wrote. “We have seen no evidence, no proof, not even an autopsy report—yet law enforcement has rushed to arrest her without transparency or accountability.”

The Wharton Police Department has said additional information will be released as it becomes available.

The charge of capital murder is among the most serious offenses under Texas law and could carry the possibility of life without parole or the death penalty if Latson is convicted. The case is expected to draw increased attention in the coming weeks as more details are revealed.

Community members are now left with grief and uncertainty as they await further updates about what happened to little Zayla and why.

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