Authorities in Elkhart County, Indiana, have charged Franklin Elmore Jr., 29, and his wife, Cheyenne Elmore, 27, with murder in the death of Franklin’s 6-year-old son — a case that began with a disturbing and implausible claim.

Memphis man Decarlo Pitchford is accused of shooting his wife during an argument, then stopping for a beer before taking her to the hospital. Prosecutors say the victim told police the shooting was intentional.

An Albuquerque mother is accused of killing her 18-month-old daughter just weeks after the child was returned to her under a state reunification plan. Prosecutors allege Vanessa Chavez slammed the toddler into a wall, causing a fatal brain injury.