Shreveport Mom Arrested for Failing to Bring Child to Appointments After Brain Surgery

LaShonda Zenon allegedly missed multiple follow-up appointments for her 6-year-old child despite medical complications from brain surgery.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:06pm

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The Shreveport Police Department has arrested 39-year-old LaShonda Zenon for allegedly failing to bring her 6-year-old child to critical follow-up medical appointments after the child underwent brain surgery in October 2025. Zenon reportedly missed around seven appointments and canceled six others, despite attempts by hospital staff to contact her. When authorities tried to intervene, Zenon allegedly fled with her children before being arrested.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences that can arise when parents neglect to provide necessary medical care for their children, especially in cases involving complex conditions like the brain tumor and related complications faced by Zenon's child. It also raises questions about how authorities can better support families in these situations to ensure children receive the care they need.

The details

According to the report, Zenon's child was diagnosed with craniopharyngioma, a type of brain mass, in October 2025 and underwent surgery. However, the child developed complications including hypopituitarism, post-op diabetes insipidus, and secondary adrenal insufficiency, requiring consistent follow-up care. Hospital staff reported that Zenon missed around seven appointments and canceled six others, despite their attempts to contact her. When authorities from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) tried to intervene, Zenon allegedly fled with her children before being arrested after a brief chase.

  • In October 2025, the child underwent brain surgery.
  • On January 14, 2026, DCFS received a formal report about medical neglect.
  • On February 26, 2026, DCFS obtained a custody order for the child.
  • On March 9, 2026, DCFS went to the home but Zenon refused to answer the door.
  • On March 10, 2026, a judge issued an order allowing law enforcement to enter the home, leading to Zenon's arrest.

The players

LaShonda Zenon

A 39-year-old Shreveport resident who was arrested for allegedly failing to bring her 6-year-old child to critical follow-up medical appointments after the child underwent brain surgery.

Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)

The state agency that received reports of medical neglect and obtained a custody order for the child.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure that all children receive the medical care they need, especially in complex cases like this one.”

— Unidentified DCFS Caseworker

What’s next

Zenon is expected to face charges related to medical neglect and drug possession. The child has been placed in DCFS custody and will receive ongoing medical care and monitoring.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical importance of parents fulfilling their responsibility to provide necessary medical treatment for their children, even in challenging circumstances. It also highlights the need for stronger support systems and coordination between healthcare providers, child welfare agencies, and law enforcement to identify and address cases of potential medical neglect before they escalate.