A Texarkana woman is facing a capital murder charge following the tragic death of an 8-month-old infant who was left in her care, according to a press release from the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department (TAPD).
Incident and Initial Response
On Monday, June 29, 2026, at approximately 11:45 a.m., TAPD officers responded to a call to assist LifeNet emergency medical services in the 3600 block of Old Blackman Ferry Road. Dispatchers advised responding units that an 8-month-old infant was in urgent need of medical attention.
Upon arrival, officers discovered LifeNet personnel administering emergency treatment to the child, who was completely unresponsive.
Investigation and Arrest
Authorities determined that the infant had sustained life-threatening injuries while being babysat by 24-year-old Cherish Starks.
The child was initially rushed to a local hospital before being transferred to a Children’s Hospital in Little Rock to receive advanced medical care.
Following an interview with the TAPD Criminal Investigation Division on the day of the incident, investigators initially charged Starks with 1st-Degree Battery. She was subsequently booked into the Miller County Detention Center.
Charges Upgraded to Capital Murder
The investigation took a tragic turn on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, when investigators were notified that the infant had succumbed to his injuries and passed away.
As a result of the infant’s death, authorities upgraded Starks’ charge to Capital Murder, which is classified as a Class Y felony under Arkansas law. Starks remains in custody at the Miller County Detention Center.
Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division.
