UPDATE: A shocking incident unfolded in Nampa, Idaho, as police discovered a 12-day-old baby dead in a filthy trailer, leading to felony charges against the parents. The grim discovery occurred on December 16, 2023, at approximately 3:32 a.m., when authorities responded to a 911 call from the father, Brian Lemke, 31.
Initial reports indicated that Lemke and the mother, Allysen Armenta, 28, attempted to attribute their child’s death to SIDS, but police later confirmed the infant suffocated. Investigators found the trailer littered with animal feces, trash, and cigarettes, creating a hazardous living environment.
As officers entered the property on the 300 block of Lone Star Road, they learned that the baby had been moved from the original location of death. Armenta was later located hiding in a camp trailer in the backyard and arrested on an unrelated warrant. Both parents now face serious charges, including felony injury to a child, hiding evidence, and delaying the reporting of a death.
Police unearthed disturbing text messages exchanged between Lemke and Armenta after the incident, with Lemke expressing his guilt, saying, “What did I do. I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened, but it’s my fault. Are they saying SIDS?” This alarming communication raises questions about their actions following the tragedy.
Authorities revealed that both parents have multiple prior convictions for child endangerment. Court records indicate that their other children were removed from their care in recent years due to hazardous conditions. The couple’s troubled history with the child welfare system dates back to 2019, highlighting systemic issues regarding child safety.
Idaho Representative Dori Healey commented on the case, stating, “Situations like this raise serious and necessary questions about how our child welfare systems function and where improvements may be needed.” She emphasized the importance of ensuring child safety and proper intervention.
Both Lemke and Armenta are scheduled to appear in court next month for preliminary hearings. As this case unfolds, it underscores the urgent need for reform in child welfare policies to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This developing story has left the community in shock, prompting discussions on the responsibility of parents and the role of state agencies in protecting vulnerable children. More updates will follow as authorities continue their investigation into this heartbreaking incident.
