Bakersfield Police make arrest in 2008 homicide of a 3-month-old baby

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — More than 10 years after a three month old baby suspected of being abused died at Valley Children's Hospital, the Bakersfield Police Department has made an arrest.

BPD said on December 4, 2008 officers responded to the 3700 block of Soranno Avenue near Wible Rd. and Ming Ave. regarding a three month old baby not breathing.

Officials said the Bakersfield Fire Department arrived before officers and started providing treatment to the infant. The baby was taken to Mercy Hospital and later transferred to Valley Children's Hospital in Madera.

Investigators said the baby had injuries consistent with child abuse and died on December 8, 2008.

The Kern County Coroner’s Office performed a postmortem examination and determined the death a homicide.

BPD said Detectives conducted an investigation into the circumstances of the death which included assistance from medical professionals.

The case was submitted to the Kern County District Attorney’s Office for review and on July 29, 2019, a warrant was issued for Lachella Grayson, 42, who was the caretaker for the baby at the time of the incident.

Grayson was arrested in the 3600 block of O Street near Chester Ave. and 34th St. and booked into the Kern County Jail for second degree murder and assault of a child causing death.

She's expected to face a judge on Wednesday.

Bakersfield police are asking anyone with information regarding this investigation to call Detective Abshire at (661) 326-3559 or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.