Los Angeles, California – A mother wanted on a murder warrant in connection with the death of her 5-year-old son, whose body was found in a suitcase along an Indiana highway almost two years ago, has been arrested in California, police announced on Friday.
Dejaune Ludie Anderson had been sought since a warrant was issued for her arrest in October 2022 following the discovery of the remains of her son, Cairo Jordan, in a Las Vegas-themed suitcase in rural Washington County, Indiana.
Police confirmed that Anderson was apprehended Thursday night in Arcadia, California, which is situated east of Los Angeles. Indiana State Police Sgt. Carey Huls expressed a mixture of grief and anticipation during a news conference, remarking on the significance of her arrest after nearly two years of pursuit.
In October 2022, a judge in Washington County issued an arrest warrant for Anderson on charges of murder, neglect of a dependent resulting in death, and obstruction of justice. Another woman, Dawn Coleman, who had also been charged in connection with Cairo’s death, had previously been arrested, convicted, and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Anderson’s recent capture in California came about after an Indiana State Police detective received vital information from a concerned citizen, leading to her apprehension. Huls revealed that Anderson is currently being held in a Los Angeles jail, with plans in motion to return her to Indiana to face the pending charges.
Authorities have made it clear that there are no other suspects being sought in connection with Cairo’s tragic death. Huls described the circumstances surrounding Cairo’s passing as “tragic and horrific,” underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Detectives worked tirelessly to bring about Anderson’s arrest, with Huls expressing confidence that justice would ultimately be served in this case. The autopsy results indicated that Cairo’s death resulted from dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea, shedding light on the tragic events leading up to his passing.
Although Coleman has already been sentenced to 25 years in prison for her role in Cairo’s death, the community continues to honor his memory with tributes at his gravesite. Flowers are still being placed, and prayers are offered for him and his family as they navigate this tragic loss.