Soldier, partner accused of starving baby and dog to death

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM/Gray News) - A Fort Benning soldier and his girlfriend face life in prison after a federal indictment detailed a case of neglect that prosecutors said led to the starvation death of their infant son and a family pet.

A federal grand jury returned an eight-count indictment against Emma Bradshaw, 22, of Carson City, Nevada, and Ladarrion McCray, 23, of Valdosta.

According to the indictment, prosecutors said the couple willfully deprived their son of necessary food and nutrition between Jan. 14 and Jan. 28, resulting in the child’s death.

At the time of the alleged abuse, the couple resided in on-post housing. McCray was an active-duty soldier recently transferred to the post, and Bradshaw had joined him while pregnant. McCray is now facing discharge proceedings from the military.

In addition to the murder and child cruelty charges, the couple faces multiple animal abuse charges.

Army Criminal Investigation Division agents executed a search warrant at the couple’s home on Jan. 28, where they discovered a male hound and a female Doberman suffering from severe malnourishment and muscle wasting. A third dog, a female dachshund, was found dead inside a trash barrel outside the home. A medical examiner later confirmed the dachshund died of starvation.

Prosecutors also accused Bradshaw and McCray of lying to investigators. The couple allegedly claimed their baby showed no signs of illness before dying and told agents that their dachshund had died of an illness and was buried at an off-post park. The indictment alleges they knew their child was severely malnourished and that they had actually discarded the dead dog in their household trash.

Bradshaw and McCray are charged with felony murder by child abuse, first-degree child cruelty, making false statements, animal crushing, aggravated animal cruelty and two counts of animal cruelty, according to the indictment.

Court dates for the couple’s initial appearances have not yet been scheduled. The case is being investigated by the Department of the Army CID.