A toddler was killed in a horrific animal attack after straying away from his home in Louisiana.
17-month-old De Angelo Manning of Claiborne wandered from his Winkler Road home at around 10 am on Monday while playing with a four-year-old.
After the children were reported missing, the sheriff’s deputies found the toddler in a clearing some half a mile from his house. According to Sheriff Sam Dowies, the child’s injuries signified that he was likely killed in an animal attack.
Shortly after discovering the boy’s deceased body, the deputies also found the 4-year-old wandering the area. The child didn’t suffer major injuries and was treated for scratches on the spot.
Following the tragic incident, De Angelo’s heartbroken mom spoke out and paid a touching tribute to her son.
“I found out I was pregnant [with] you on my birthday it was a big surprise for me. I was happy, so happy to have you, your brothers loved you so much still do you where my baby,” Angelica Marquez said.
“You were always smiling you will bring a smile out of people, you were amazing trust me you where my snoopy my best friend. I remember the day me and your daddy chose your name while you were in my belly.”
The grieving mom continued: “I remember you help me get through so much on the hard times you do not know how sorry I am that I wasn’t there.
I’m trying to keep calm for your brothers, I hate so much that you didn’t meet your brother, that I didn’t hold you one last time, kissed you and said I love you because I love you son, I’m so hurt and so mad. I just don’t know how to get through this baby I’m so sorry.
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Our thoughts remain with De Angelo’s loved ones during this challenging time.