Jonesboro, Arkansas – A case that initially sparked outrage in a Jonesboro neighborhood has taken a dramatic turn after police revealed that the mother who reported her infant was left outside alone for nearly half an hour has now admitted her story was false. The confession casts major doubt on the child endangerment charges earlier filed against the baby’s father.
Shifting details from the mother have now prompted police to reassess what really happened outside a home on Churchill Drive earlier this month.
What Police Now Say Happened
According to investigators, 27-year-old Lyrica Maisha Noble is now charged with filing a false report, a felony offense in Arkansas. Police say she misled officers into believing the child’s father, 27-year-old Larry Donell Lee, abandoned their baby outdoors in a car seat for roughly 30 minutes.
Those claims formed the basis of the original child endangerment case brought against Lee. But newly revealed details show the circumstances may have been entirely different.
The incident began on Nov. 6, when both parents reportedly argued over childcare plans. Lee told Noble he was returning the child to her home. Noble allegedly insisted she wasn’t home, though Lee told police he did not believe her.
Lee ultimately left the baby securely in a car seat on the front porch.
The Mother’s Original Account
Noble’s first statement to police came nearly two weeks later. According to an affidavit published by NEA Report, she told officers she came home to find the infant outside alone.
She also claimed the baby had vomit on him when she found him.
This account led to a warrant for Lee’s arrest on child endangerment charges. He was taken into custody based on the belief that the child had been left unattended for about 30 minutes.
The Story Changes Dramatically
Two days later, investigators say Noble changed her story.
According to the affidavit, she admitted she actually was home the entire time, even as Lee attempted to contact her. When he notified her that the baby was on the porch, she retrieved the child immediately.
Her admission suggests the infant may never have been alone at all — and that Lee’s version of events was accurate.
Court documents state her false report directly led to Lee’s arrest, prompting a serious reconsideration of his case.
Legal Fallout and What Comes Next
After acknowledging she provided false information, Noble was arrested and booked into the Craighead County Detention Center. Records show she has since been released, as she is no longer listed on the jail roster.
She is scheduled to appear in court on January 23, where the false reporting charge will be addressed.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed the status of the child endangerment case against Lee, and police have not provided additional comment despite attempts to request clarification.
Why False Reporting Cases Matter
Incidents involving inaccurate or intentionally misleading claims can strain law enforcement resources and, in cases like this, potentially lead to wrongful arrests. False reports involving children carry additional weight, as investigators must assume a child’s safety is at immediate risk.
In Arkansas, filing a false report to law enforcement is treated as a felony due to the seriousness of the consequences.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Questions
Residents in Jonesboro have expressed concern about the initial allegations and questions remain about whether charges against Lee will be dropped or amended. The case has also prompted broader discussions about custody conflicts and the legal risks when disputes escalate.
Officials have not released additional details on whether the child endangerment charge against Lee will be formally reversed or if new findings will influence the case’s direction.
Conclusion
What began as a troubling case of alleged child neglect has turned into a situation centered on a false police report. As investigators reassess events from Nov. 6, attention now shifts toward whether the father’s original charges will be corrected — and how the justice system responds when new evidence transforms an entire case.
Share Your Thoughts
Have you seen similar cases in your area or experienced custody-related reporting issues? Share your perspective in the comments below.
