Authorities in Sulphur, Louisiana, have arrested Alice Bunch Idlett, 75, for the 1970 murder of her 16-month-old son, Earl D. Bunch III. The cold case was reopened in 2022 at the request of the child’s family, leading to new evidence and an official homicide ruling.
Reopened Investigation and Shocking Letters
At the time of the child’s tragic death on January 20, 1970, Idlett claimed that Earl suffered fatal injuries from falling out of his crib. However, medical reports from the era documented bite marks, burns, and multiple bruises on the toddler’s body.
During the Vietnam conflict, the child’s father, Earl Bunch Jr., was serving overseas. Letters from Alice to her husband, uncovered during the investigation, revealed disturbing sentiments:
November 4, 1969:
“I just got through whipping that little bastard. I hate him. That’s the honest truth… I wish I would have died when he was born. I believe I could do it. I’m serious…”
December 9, 1969:
“I should love my own son, but I really don’t think I do… If he would die tomorrow, I wouldn’t care. I can’t help it. To me, he is the one who ruined my life.”
Despite denying involvement, medical reports from 1970 showed Earl was “limp and gasping for breath” upon arrival at the hospital. He died the next morning during emergency surgery.
Forensic Evidence and Arrest
Newly obtained evidence led to the exhumation of Earl’s remains, which were sent to the FBI for forensic analysis. The autopsy confirmed the cause of death as homicide, prompting authorities to charge Idlett with second-degree murder.
She was booked into Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center with a $950,000 bond.
Justice After 54 Years
The case highlights the persistence of law enforcement in solving decades-old crimes. With the forensic confirmation of homicide, justice for Earl D. Bunch III may finally be served.
