BABY LUNA’S FINAL HOURS — MOTHER TAKIYAH BABERS NOW FACES MURDER CHARGES

Four-month-old Luna Babers was supposed to be surrounded by love, family and the people who had cared for her since she was just a few weeks old.

Instead, her short life ended in a tragedy that has left a South Los Angeles community heartbroken.

And now, Luna’s 19-year-old mother, Takiyah Babers, is facing formal criminal charges in connection with her daughter’s death.

A TRAGIC DISCOVERY

Luna was discovered unresponsive inside a dumpster in the South Los Angeles area around 10:30 p.m. on September 28, according to police.

Firefighters and paramedics responded and rushed the infant to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Police opened a homicide investigation, and Babers was arrested the following day.

The baby was later publicly identified by relatives as Luna.

THE FAMILY HAD BEEN CARING FOR LUNA

Luna’s foster grandparents, Laura Lacy and Herman Johnson, said they had cared for the little girl since she was around two weeks old.

They described her as a sweet and happy baby who brought enormous joy into their home.

After learning that an infant had been discovered nearby, the family rushed to determine whether it was Luna.

Their worst fears were confirmed.

At a community vigil, Lacy struggled to contain her grief, saying she simply missed her granddaughter.

NOW, FORMAL CHARGES

The case took another major turn on October 1.

Prosecutors charged Takiyah Babers, 19, with murder and assault on a child causing death, according to officials and court records.

Her scheduled court appearance was postponed, and her next hearing is set for October 30.

Babers remains in custody on $2 million bail.

She has not entered a plea, and the charges remain allegations that must be proven in court.

A COMMUNITY MOURNS

Following Luna’s death, neighbors and loved ones gathered for a candlelight vigil.

Flowers, balloons and candles were placed near the location where the infant was found.

For those who cared for Luna, the hardest part may be trying to understand how such a young life could end so suddenly.

Her grandfather Herman Johnson said the family was devastated and that Luna had been deeply loved.

“She didn’t deserve to die,” he said.

QUESTIONS STILL REMAIN

Authorities have not publicly released a complete explanation of what led to Luna’s death, and the investigation remains ongoing.

As the criminal case moves forward, Luna’s family is left mourning a baby who lived only four months — while investigators and prosecutors work to establish exactly what happened.

For the people who knew her, however, Luna was never simply a name in a case.

She was a little girl who smiled, was cared for and was loved.

And her family says they will continue to remember her that way. 🤍

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