Mother charged with murdering 2-year-old daughter; boyfriend also charged

BATON ROUGE- A mother has been charged in the death of her missing 2-year-old daughter.

Lenaya Cardwell was charged with murder for the slaying of her daughter Neveah Allen, Baton Rouge Police said at a press conference on Wednesday.

Nevaeh was reported missing on Friday, Sept. 24.

Cardwell’s boyfriend, Phillip Gardner, told police that he had awoken from a nap to find the toddler missing. Cardwell was reportedly at work.

Nevaeh’s remains were found on Sunday in a wooded area.

Gardner was arrested and charged with unlawful disposal of human remains and obstruction for allegedly dumping the toddler’s body.

Nevaeh’s death was ruled a homicide, but details on how she died are unclear.

Cardwell, cried as she told reporters on Friday “Nevaeh’s not known for wandering around, I’ve never once had to correct Nevaeh for leaving the house without an adult,” adding “That’s all I know. If you see my baby please contact the police. Please I just want my baby home.”

Meanwhile, she knew the whole time where Neveah was..