Child abuse suspect dies, case still moving forward

By Lee Peck

MOSS BLUFF, LA (KPLC) -

There are new developments in a Moss Bluff child abuse case. Verna Kennerson, one of two women charged in the case, has passed away. Kennerson was arrested back in July for allegedly abusing two 17-year-old adopted daughters.

At the time of her arrest, neighbors in Moss Bluff claimed the children were so hungry they ate from trash cans and were forced to sleep outside in a shed with no floor or electricity.

Kennerson was charged with 13 counts of abuse, and Kennerson's mom, 77 year old Mary J. Kennerson, was charged with one count of cruelty to a juvenile because she allegedly knew of the abuse. Mary Kennerson's case is still set to go to trial on April 9th.