This Mom Was Arrested for a Major Car Seat Installation Error

When an off-duty police officer slammed into the SUV she was riding in, the unimaginable happened to Brittany Stephens: she lost her 1-year-old daughter, Seyaira. That was back in October. Now, the Baton Rouge, Louisiana mom is facing homicide charges because Seyaira’s car seat wasn’t installed properly.

Here’s what we know so far, thanks to reporting from The Advocate. Off-duty officer Christopher Manuel was driving his Corvette 94 mph in a 50 mph zone when he struck the Nissan SUV carrying Stephens as it turned left. Stephens, who was not driving, was in the SUV with three other adults and four children. None of them were wearing seatbelts—and the SUV is only intended to sit five passengers. The vehicle flipped, and everyone involved in the accident was taken to the hospital. Baby Seyaira is the only one who didn’t make it, passing away from injuries two weeks after the crash.

In their initial arrest report, police explained the baby’s car seat was not secured and the straps were not adjusted correctly for her height. Since Stephens indicated she was the adult responsible for the child, ultimately, police arrested her last Tuesday for negligent homicide.

Cue the outrage. Hasn’t Stephens been punished enough? Plus, she wasn’t responsible for the crash, or even the person driving. In light of the criticism surrounding the charge, police revealed additional details last Thursday. Not only was the car seat unsecure, it was “on top of the center console, wedged between the front passenger seat and the driver’s seat,” according to police spokesman Sgt. Don Coppola Jr.

Wondering what happened to Manuel, the driver who caused the accident? He was also arrested on one count of negligent homicide, and is on paid leave as the investigation continues. He was not under the influence while driving.

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore III said his office has not determined whether Manuel or Stephens will actually be charged. He tells The Advocate he “will review all reports, charges and arrests and make the appropriate decisions based upon facts and law.” For now, it seems unlikely, since he adds criminal negligence equates to “almost an intentional type of act.”

Meanwhile, local legal experts are wondering how the charges against the mother got this far.

“It’s very sad that a child died, but that doesn’t mean that you go and punish as many people as possible for child’s death,” LSU criminal law professor Ken Levy tells The Advocate. “The principal culprit here is the officer. The mother is being blamed for this tragedy and that just doesn’t seem fair.”

State Rep. C. Denise Marcelle echoes that sentiment.

“She already lost a child,” she says “I just think that unless I’m missing something, I’m seriously concerned about [her arrest].”

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