A 14-year-old girl was found wandering along a Mobile County road after allegedly living alone for months in a filthy mobile home. Authorities say her mother and stepfather were living out of state while the teen remained behind with multiple dogs, one of which was found dead inside a closet. Both adults now face child abuse and aggravated animal cruelty charges.

A Louisiana mother has been charged with first-degree murder after authorities say she fatally shot her 1-year-old daughter inside the family’s home on New Year’s Day. According to investigators, the child’s father heard a loud noise and discovered the infant had been shot while the mother was holding a gun. The case has drawn widespread attention following statements allegedly made by the suspect during and after the incident.

Sandra Birchmore joined the Stoughton Police Explorers at 12, dreaming of becoming an officer. By 15, she was being exploited by Detective Matthew Farwell. At 23, pregnant, she was found dead. Police called it suicide. Federal prosecutors now say it was murder, a cover-up designed to silence her forever.