Lekesha Lemelle Gave Birth to Baby Before Newborn Was Found Dead in Gretna Porta-Potty.

Lekesha Lemelle Gave Birth to Baby Before Newborn Was Found Dead in Gretna Porta-Potty.

GRETNA, La. — Authorities say Lekesha Lemelle gave birth to a baby before the newborn was later discovered dead inside a porta-potty, a case that has shocked the local community. According to the Gretna Police Department, officers were called to a report of a woman giving birth at a Waffle House on 52 Westbank Expressway.

When police arrived, Lemelle reportedly told officers that she had delivered the baby but did not know how long ago the birth occurred or what condition the infant was in. As officers continued their investigation, they were directed to a porta-potty located near the Westside Shopping Center, just down the street from the restaurant.

Inside the portable toilet, authorities say they found the newborn deceased in the tank. The scene was immediately secured, and detectives began processing evidence to determine the sequence of events.

An autopsy later revealed that the baby had been born alive, according to investigators. Based on those findings, police obtained an arrest warrant charging Lemelle with second-degree murder.

The heartbreaking case has left residents stunned and raising difficult questions. Officials say the investigation is ongoing as they work to gather all facts surrounding the incident. Anyone with information about Lemelle’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Gretna Police Department as soon as possible.