Roanoke, VA – Roanoke police have arrested a woman on a felony homicide charge after a 2-month-old infant was found dead in a home earlier this year. Authorities say the case, which involved a suffocation finding by the medical examiner and evidence of methamphetamine toxicity, led to a grand jury indictment and the mother’s arrest in September.
How officers responded to the call
Police responded in February to a report of an unconscious infant at a residence on the 600 block of Hanover Ave NW. Arriving officers found 2-month-old Aka-rri Burnette-Coleman unresponsive and later pronounced the child dead at the home. Investigators took statements at the scene indicating the child’s mother, 37-year-old Lindsey Renee Burnette, had been sleeping in the same bed as the infant.
“She and the baby were sleeping in the same bed, and when she awoke, the boy was unconscious.” — statement from responding officers summarizing the mother’s account
Police say their investigation determined Burnette rolled onto her son while she was sleeping, an action cited in their findings.
Medical examiner’s findings and cause of death
In May, the medical examiner issued a determination that the infant’s death was caused by suffocation and acute methamphetamine toxicity. Those medical findings played a central role in charging decisions later this year.
- Infant: Aka-rri Burnette-Coleman, 2 months old
- Mother: Lindsey Renee Burnette, 37
- Location: 600 block of Hanover Ave NW, Roanoke, VA
- Medical cause: suffocation and acute methamphetamine toxicity (determined in May)
- Arrest: Burnette was arrested on Sept. 3
- Indictment: Grand jury indicted Burnette this month on multiple charges
Charges and legal developments
This month a grand jury returned an indictment charging Burnette with felony murder, abuse/neglect of a child causing serious injury, and child cruelty. Authorities booked Burnette following the indictment; her arrest took place on Sept. 3. The case remains under investigation by Roanoke law enforcement.
What the community and officials may expect next
With the indictment issued, the case will proceed through the criminal justice system. Expect pretrial motions, possible hearings on evidence related to the medical examiner’s findings, and court scheduling as the next steps. Investigators will likely continue to consolidate evidence about the infant’s death and any role of controlled substances in the events leading to the child’s death.
Key facts to watch:
- Whether prosecutors pursue a plea or proceed to trial on the felony homicide charge.
- How the medical examiner’s finding of acute methamphetamine toxicity influences legal strategy and potential sentencing.
- Any additional charges or findings that may arise from ongoing investigation.
Who is involved: Lindsey Renee Burnette (defendant), Aka-rri Burnette-Coleman (victim), Roanoke police, and the medical examiner’s office.
Final note
The charges mark a serious development in a case that began with a February welfare call and culminated in a grand jury indictment this month. As the legal process unfolds, officials have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that court proceedings will determine final outcomes.
What do you think about this case and the charges filed? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
