Police have charged the mother of a 12-year-old boy who officials believe was killed due to an alligator attack after escaping his room.

On Sunday, Sept. 7, Hilda Vasquez, the mother of the boy, Bryan Vasquez, was arrested by police and charged with second-degree cruelty to juveniles and negligent homicide in connection with the child's death, the New Orleans Police Department told USA TODAY in an email.

The charge comes after Bryan's body was found nearly two weeks after he was reported missing, New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said at a news conference .

The investigation is still ongoing, and the police department has stated that it will not release further details on the case at this time. More news: Man accused of killing roommate as two left for c

See Full Page