Soldier and Girlfriend Charged with Felony Murder Over Starvation of Child and Dogs

Fort Benning, Georgia – Federal prosecutors have filed charges against a 23-year-old soldier, Ladarrion McCray, and his 22-year-old girlfriend, Emma Bradshaw, for the alleged starvation deaths of their child and three dogs while living in on-base housing at Fort Benning. The couple faces eight charges including felony murder by child abuse, making false statements, and aggravated animal cruelty.

According to a July 15 announcement from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Georgia, prosecutors allege that McCray and Bradshaw willfully deprived their infant son of necessary sustenance over approximately two weeks in January. The child, identified as "L.M." in court documents, died on January 28 due to malnutrition.

McCray had recently been transferred to Fort Benning when Bradshaw joined him shortly after becoming pregnant with L.M., though the exact timeline and age of the infant are not specified in court records. Army investigators executed a search warrant at their home on the day of the child's death, uncovering two severely malnourished dogs: a male hound and a female Doberman.

Both animals were taken to an animal shelter where veterinarians confirmed they suffered from severe malnutrition and significant muscle wasting. During interviews with investigators, McCray and Bradshaw claimed their son showed no signs of illness before his death and stated that they had buried a third dog, a dachshund, at a park off base due to an unspecified illness.

However, investigators discovered the dachshund's body discarded in a trash can behind the home. A necropsy revealed the dog died from starvation rather than any illness as claimed by the couple.

On June 11, both defendants entered not guilty pleas and were released on bond under pretrial supervision. McCray is currently undergoing discharge proceedings by the Army and has been ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation. Once discharged, he must report to his parents' home in Georgia. Bradshaw was authorized to reside at a women's shelter in Alabama.

Neither defendant is allowed to possess pets during their trial period. However, McCray’s release conditions were modified due to his parents owning dogs. The couple's next court appearance is scheduled for July 22 in federal court in Columbus, Georgia, where they could face life imprisonment if convicted.

This case highlights the severe consequences of neglect and abuse within military families, raising questions about support systems and oversight mechanisms in place at Fort Benning and beyond.