Mother Charged in Tragic Death of 5-Year-Old Found in Suitcase

A suitcase lying in a wooded area, symbolizing a tragic crime case.

Louisville, December 16, 2025

Dejuane Anderson, 37, has been arraigned on multiple charges, including murder, following the discovery of her 5-year-old son, Cairo Jordan, found dead in a suitcase in Indiana. An autopsy indicated that Cairo died from an electrolyte imbalance, exacerbated by dehydration. Anderson, who evaded capture for nearly two years, was arrested in California and is set to stand trial in Jefferson County, Kentucky, in October 2025. The case has drawn significant media attention due to its heartbreaking nature and the legal proceedings involving both Anderson and her co-defendant.

Louisville, Kentucky – Mother Charged in Death of 5-Year-Old Found in Suitcase Arraigned

Dejuane Anderson, 37, has been arraigned in Louisville on charges of murder, manslaughter, criminal abuse, and abuse of a corpse in connection with the death of her 5-year-old son, Cairo Jordan.

Anderson’s son, Cairo Jordan, was found dead in a suitcase in Washington County, Indiana, in April 2022. An autopsy revealed that Cairo died from an electrolyte imbalance, likely caused by vomiting and diarrhea leading to dehydration. The suitcase was discovered by a mushroom hunter in a wooded area, and Cairo’s identity remained unknown for several months.

In October 2022, a murder warrant was issued for Anderson, who had been on the run for nearly two years. She was arrested in Arcadia, California, in March 2024, after a tip from a concerned citizen led authorities to her location. Anderson was extradited to Kentucky to face charges related to her son’s death.

During the arraignment, Anderson entered a not guilty plea and requested a public defender. The case has been moved to Jefferson County, Kentucky, as authorities believe the murder occurred there. Anderson’s trial is scheduled for October 2025.

Previously, Dawn Coleman, 41, of Shreveport, Louisiana, was arrested in October 2022 and charged with aiding, inducing, or causing murder, neglect of a dependent resulting in death, and obstruction of justice. Coleman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and was sentenced to 30 years in prison with five years suspended to probation. Coleman admitted to assisting Anderson in disposing of Cairo’s body in the suitcase and leaving it in the woods in Indiana.

The case has garnered national attention due to the tragic circumstances surrounding Cairo’s death and the subsequent legal proceedings involving his mother and Coleman.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Dejuane Anderson?

Dejuane Anderson, 37, is the mother charged with the death of her 5-year-old son, Cairo Jordan. She was arrested in Arcadia, California, in March 2024, after being on the run for nearly two years.

What happened to Cairo Jordan?

Cairo Jordan, 5, was found dead in a suitcase in Washington County, Indiana, in April 2022. An autopsy revealed he died from an electrolyte imbalance, likely caused by vomiting and diarrhea leading to dehydration.

What charges is Dejuane Anderson facing?

Dejuane Anderson is facing charges of murder, manslaughter, criminal abuse, and abuse of a corpse in connection with her son’s death.

What is the status of Dawn Coleman?

Dawn Coleman, 41, was arrested in October 2022 and charged with aiding, inducing, or causing murder, neglect of a dependent resulting in death, and obstruction of justice. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and was sentenced to 30 years in prison with five years suspended to probation.

When is Dejuane Anderson’s trial scheduled?

Dejuane Anderson’s trial is scheduled for October 2025 in Jefferson County, Kentucky.

Key Features of the Case

Feature Details
Victim Cairo Jordan, 5-year-old boy
Discovery of Body Found in a suitcase in Washington County, Indiana, in April 2022
Cause of Death Electrolyte imbalance due to vomiting and diarrhea leading to dehydration
Mother’s Arrest Dejuane Anderson arrested in Arcadia, California, in March 2024
Co-Defendant Dawn Coleman, 41, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison with five years suspended to probation
Trial Date Dejuane Anderson’s trial scheduled for October 2025 in Jefferson County, Kentucky


Now Happening on X

  • @WLKY (December 14, 2025, 1:10 AM) A woman was hospitalized following a shooting in Louisville’s Park Duvalle neighborhood. View on X
  • @WDRBNews (December 12, 2025, 10:11 PM) A man was stabbed to death at an apartment complex in Louisville’s Southside neighborhood. View on X
  • @courierjournal (December 12, 2025, 11:00 PM) One person is dead following a stabbing in Louisville’s Southside neighborhood, according to LMPD. View on X
  • @LEX18News (December 15, 2025, 9:30 PM) A man has been arrested in connection to a homicide on East Oak Street in Louisville on December 3. View on X
  • @WLKY (December 16, 2025, 2:20 AM) Three individuals linked to hundreds of car thefts were arrested in downtown Louisville after a dramatic chase. View on X
  • @wave3news (December 14, 2025, 5:00 AM) Louisville Metro Police are investigating a shooting in the Park Duvalle neighborhood that left a woman hospitalized. View on X
  • @courierjournal (December 15, 2025, 11:00 PM) A Louisville employee who investigates LMPD misconduct has been suspended following an arrest in a shooting incident. View on X
  • @WLKY (December 13, 2025, 1:10 AM) Louisville nonprofits are opening emergency shelters ahead of extremely cold temperatures impacting the community. View on X

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Louisville Man Fatally Shot by Police at Apartment Complex
Investigator Arrested After Shooting Incident in Louisville
40-Year-Old Abduction Case in Kentucky Resolved
Louisville Man Indicted for Murder in Shooting Case
Mother Accused of Murdering Son Enters Jail Ahead of Trial
Louisville Woman Dies in Crash on Cane Run Road

HERE LOUISVILLE
Author: HERE LOUISVILLE

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!
Advertising Opportunity:

Stay Connected

More Updates

Commemorative stamps featuring Muhammad Ali in a boxing stance

USPS to Release Muhammad Ali Forever Stamps

Louisville, December 16, 2025 The USPS is set to honor Muhammad Ali with commemorative Forever stamps available for purchase nationwide. A first-day-of-issue ceremony will be held

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Sign Up Now and get your local business listed!