In Amite, Louisiana, a 30-year-old man has been arrested and charged with the premeditated murders of three individuals, including a woman and two children. Family members have reported that the suspect was undergoing treatment for schizophrenia and began to hear voices just a day prior to the tragic events.

The victims have been identified as the suspect’s one-year-old son, Hayden Madison; his 40-year-old sister, Rhonda Powell; and Powell’s 10-year-old son, Braylon Powell. Authorities noted that upon their arrival at the scene, all three victims had already perished.

As of Saturday, the alleged assailant remains in custody at the St. Helena Parish Jail. However, it remains unclear whether he has had the opportunity to see a judge or to consult with an attorney. According to the local sheriff’s office, the investigation is still underway.

Cousin Deondra Robertson-Warner revealed that prior to the fatal incident, family members had taken the suspect to a hospital after he exhibited troubling behavior. Reports indicated that he was given a different medication than he typically receives and that requests for him to be placed in inpatient psychiatric care were denied, despite family concerns about his aggressive actions.

Robertson-Warner expressed deep frustration with the mental health system, stating, “No one in that home survived because the mental health system failed him. Had he been committed, he would be where he needed to be today, and my other family members would be alive.” This heartbreaking case raises questions about the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues and the system’s ability to provide adequate care and protection for both them and their families.