The quiet of a Louisiana morning shattered on Spartan Loop Wednesday, transforming a routine school day into an unimaginable tragedy. A five-year-old boy, waiting for his school bus, became the victim of a horrific accident involving his own grandmother.
Kristen Anders, 55, now faces a vehicular homicide charge after allegedly striking her grandson, Carson Lawson, with her vehicle. The incident occurred just after 7 a.m. as Carson stood in the driveway, anticipating the arrival of the bus. Details emerging from the Slidell Police Department paint a picture of devastating loss and heartbreaking circumstances.
According to police reports, Anders was backing her 2016 GMC Yukon out of the driveway when the accident occurred. She was reportedly unaware Carson was directly in front of the vehicle. The moment she realized she had struck something, she immediately stopped the car, but it was already too late.
The scene was one of immediate chaos and grief. Officers responding to the call found Carson with critical injuries. The investigation quickly revealed signs of impairment on the part of Anders, leading to the determination that she was operating the vehicle under the influence of both alcohol and central nervous system depressants.
Adding to the profound sorrow, Carson had two siblings who were nearby during the tragedy, also preparing for school. The weight of this loss extends far beyond Carson himself, impacting his entire family and community.
Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau spoke with the boy’s mother, expressing the utter inadequacy of words in the face of such pain. He emphasized the unimaginable burden the family now carries – not only the loss of their child, but also the arrest of a beloved grandmother.
“There isn’t anything that I can say to make her feel any better, or make this situation better,” Seuzeneau stated, his voice heavy with emotion. He underscored the complete absence of winners in this devastating scenario, urging compassion and understanding amidst the grief.
The St. Tammany Parish Coroner's Office is continuing its investigation, but the initial findings have already revealed a tragedy that will forever scar the hearts of those who knew Carson Lawson and his family. The community is left to grapple with the senselessness of a life cut short and the profound pain of a family shattered.
