Father claims the mother said she was trying to “send the baby to God” as police investigate a deeply disturbing family homicide
A devastating and deeply troubling case has shaken southwest Louisiana after a young mother was charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of her 1-year-old daughter on New Year’s Day.
Authorities say Kristen Bass, 28, is accused of fatally shooting her infant child, Acelynn Moss, inside a family residence in Sulphur, Louisiana. The case has drawn national attention following chilling claims made by the child’s father about what allegedly happened inside the home moments after the shooting.
Police respond to a fatal shooting on January 1
According to the Sulphur Police Department, officers were dispatched to a home on Quelqueshue Street at approximately 8:21 p.m. local time on Thursday, January 1, after receiving a report of a shooting.
When police arrived at the residence, they discovered that a young child had been shot. Despite emergency response efforts, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following an initial investigation, police arrested Kristen Bass at the residence and charged her with first-degree murder. Authorities later confirmed that she is being held on a $10 million bond.
Victim identified as 1-year-old Acelynn Moss
The victim was identified as Acelynn Moss, the 1-year-old daughter of Bass and Bradley Moss, according to statements provided to local media.
Investigators have not publicly released details about the type of firearm used or whether the weapon belonged to Bass. Those details are expected to emerge as the case progresses through the court system.
Father recounts terrifying moments inside the home
Bradley Moss spoke with local outlet Fox 8, describing what he says unfolded moments after he heard a loud noise inside the home.
Moss told the station that he heard what he described as a “boom” and rushed into the room, where he allegedly found his daughter had been shot. He said Bass was holding a gun at the time.
He also stated that the couple’s second child, a 2-year-old girl, was present in the room and was crying for help.
Chilling statements allegedly made after the shooting
According to Moss, Bass made deeply disturbing comments following the shooting.
He claimed that Bass told him she shot Acelynn in order to “send her to God.” Moss further alleged that Bass suggested she intended to shoot their older child as well.
“I almost lost two babies,” Moss told Fox 8. “I lost one because her mama wanted to send her to God.”
He also recalled Bass allegedly saying, “I just sent our baby to God,” before referring to their second child and saying, “Now I gotta get her.”
Police have not publicly confirmed these statements but have included them as part of the ongoing investigation.
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Authorities continue investigation, limited details released
At this stage, law enforcement has not released information regarding a possible motive or whether mental health evaluations are being considered as part of the case.
PEOPLE magazine reported that it contacted the Sulphur Police Department on January 3 seeking additional details, but did not receive an immediate response.
No further charges have been announced, and court records have not yet indicated a preliminary hearing date.
Community shaken by the violent incident
The case has sent shockwaves through the Sulphur community and beyond, raising renewed concerns about domestic safety, mental health awareness, and the protection of young children.
As the legal process unfolds, Kristen Bass remains in custody while investigators continue to review evidence and witness statements related to the fatal shooting.
This story remains developing, and updates are expected as more information becomes available through official court proceedings and law enforcement disclosures.