Arkansas Mother Lacrystal Matthews Charged with First Degree Murder After 2-Month-Old Baby Found Dead with Bruises at Pine Bluff Motel
PINE BLUFF, Arkansas — A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the community of Pine Bluff after a 2-month-old baby was found unresponsive at a local motel and later pronounced dead. Authorities have since arrested the infant’s mother, 24-year-old Lacrystal Matthews, who is now facing a charge of First Degree Murder in connection with the death.
The disturbing incident unfolded on the morning of Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Sun Bridge Inn, located off South Blake Street in Pine Bluff. Emergency responders were called to the motel around 8:45 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive infant. When paramedics arrived, they immediately transported the baby to Jefferson Regional Medical Center, where doctors attempted to resuscitate the child. Despite their efforts, the infant was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Hospital staff quickly alerted authorities after noticing troubling signs of neglect. According to medical personnel, the baby appeared undernourished and displayed visible bruises on their small body—indicators that the child may have suffered long-term mistreatment before their tragic death.
An investigation was launched by the Pine Bluff Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, who worked through the day interviewing witnesses and examining evidence. Detectives determined that the baby’s mother, Lacrystal Matthews, had been staying at the motel with the child for several days prior to the emergency call.
After questioning Matthews and reviewing the baby’s condition, investigators concluded that there was probable cause to make an arrest. She was taken into custody on Saturday evening and formally charged with First Degree Murder. She is currently being held at the Jefferson County Detention Center pending her initial court appearance.
Authorities have not yet released the identity or gender of the baby, and details regarding the child’s father or other family members remain undisclosed at this time. It is also unclear how long the child had been deceased or unresponsive before emergency services were called.
“This is a devastating case,” said a Pine Bluff Police spokesperson. “The death of any child is heartbreaking, but when there are signs of abuse and neglect, it becomes even more tragic. Our hearts go out to those who loved and cared for this baby.”
The Arkansas Department of Human Services has reportedly been contacted to assist in the investigation and to ensure that any other children connected to the suspect are safe and accounted for. Meanwhile, the Pine Bluff community is expressing sorrow and outrage on social media, with many calling for justice for the innocent life lost.
The investigation is ongoing, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about Matthews or her interactions at the Sun Bridge Inn to contact the Pine Bluff Police tip line.
Lacrystal Matthews is expected to appear before a judge early this week. If convicted of First Degree Murder, she could face life in prison or the death penalty under Arkansas law.
As the case unfolds, the tragic death of the two-month-old baby is a painful reminder of the importance of child welfare vigilance and the devastating consequences of abuse and neglect.