Alberto Marin charged with murder in death of 18‑month‑old in Louisiana

Alberto Marin, a 31‑year‑old Utah resident serving as a foster father in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana, was arrested and charged with second‑degree murder and obstruction of justice after 18‑month‑old Melanie Trahan died. Trahan was brought to the Beauregard Health System hospital in DeRidder on July 21 with injuries and brain hemorrhaging, then transferred to a Baton Rouge hospital where she died on July 26. The autopsy showed hemorrhaging in multiple areas at different stages of healing. She had been placed in Marin’s care on June 25. Investigators noted a prior incident at Marin’s home on August 11, 2025, involving an infant with severe respiratory distress, though law enforcement was not called at that time.

The case is being handled by the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s Office, with Detective Sylvester Denmond confirming the ongoing investigation.