A former Mississippi Gulf Coast police officer was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter in connection with the 2016 death of her three-year-old daughter, who died from heat exposure after being left inside a patrol vehicle for several hours.
The case drew national attention because the child’s mother, former Long Beach Police Officer Cassie Barker, admitted she had been with her police supervisor while her daughter remained strapped into a patrol vehicle in extreme heat.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
On March 18, 2019, Cassie Barker pleaded guilty to culpable negligence manslaughter as part of a plea agreement that reduced an original charge of second-degree murder. The plea agreement included a recommendation that Barker receive the maximum sentence available for the offense.
On April 1, 2019, Harrison County Circuit Judge Larry Bourgeois sentenced Barker to 20 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
During the plea hearing, Judge Bourgeois stated:
“I don’t know what I could ever do to you that could be worse than what you’ve already experienced… You will forever be entombed in a prison of your own mind.”
What Happened
According to court proceedings and investigators:
- On September 30, 2016, Barker completed her overnight police shift.
- She drove to the home of her supervisor, Clark Ladner.
- Cheyenne Hyer, Barker’s three-year-old daughter, remained secured in a child safety seat inside Barker’s patrol vehicle.
- The patrol vehicle remained running, but investigators determined the air conditioning was not producing cold air.
- Cheyenne remained inside the vehicle for approximately four hours.
- When Barker returned, the child was unresponsive.
- Authorities reported Cheyenne’s body temperature measured approximately 107 degrees.
During the guilty plea, Barker admitted she had engaged in sexual activity with Ladner before both eventually fell asleep.
Prior Child Neglect Incident
The investigation also revealed Barker previously had left Cheyenne unattended in a vehicle.
According to law enforcement and child protection records:
- In April 2015, Cheyenne was found alone inside a vehicle outside a Gulfport business.
- A passerby contacted police.
- Mississippi Child Protective Services opened an investigation.
- Barker received disciplinary action from the Long Beach Police Department.
Cheyenne’s father, Ryan Hyer, later stated he was never informed of the earlier incident involving his daughter.
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Employment Consequences
Within days of Cheyenne’s death:
- Cassie Barker was terminated by the Long Beach Police Department.
- Supervisor Clark Ladner was also terminated for violating department policies.
Investigators stated Ladner maintained he did not know Cheyenne remained inside the patrol vehicle. Public reporting indicates he was not criminally charged in connection with the child’s death.
Father’s Statements
Following Barker’s sentencing, Ryan Hyer described the lasting impact of losing his daughter.
According to courtroom reporting, Hyer said:
“Every time I close my eyes, I picture her suffering and then I picture her laying in this coffin.”
He also stated:
“As a parent, you are supposed to protect your child, and Cheyenne is gone because her mother didn’t protect her, not once but twice.”
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Mental Health Evaluation
Court records indicated Barker underwent a psychological evaluation following her daughter’s death.
According to court proceedings:
- She was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder related to childhood trauma and her daughter’s death.
- The evaluation concluded she was competent to stand trial.
These findings did not prevent the criminal proceedings from moving forward.
Civil Litigation
Cheyenne’s father filed a wrongful death lawsuit against:
- The Long Beach Police Department.
- Mississippi Child Protective Services (then part of the Mississippi Department of Human Services).
The lawsuit alleged that stronger intervention following the 2015 child neglect incident could have prevented Cheyenne’s death. Public reporting at the time indicated the litigation remained pending following Barker’s criminal case.
Current Status
As of publicly available information:
- Cassie Barker remains incarcerated within the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
- She is serving the 20-year sentence imposed in April 2019.
- No criminal charges were filed against former supervisor Clark Ladner in connection with Cheyenne Hyer’s death.
Publicly available correctional records and subsequent reporting indicate Barker’s projected release date is in 2034, subject to Mississippi Department of Corrections policies and any applicable changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Barker convicted of manslaughter instead of murder?
Barker originally was indicted on a charge of second-degree murder. She later pleaded guilty to culpable negligence manslaughter under a negotiated plea agreement accepted by the court.
Was the patrol vehicle running?
Yes. Court proceedings established the patrol vehicle remained running, but investigators determined the air conditioning system was not producing cold air.
Was Barker still employed as a police officer after the incident?
No. Barker and her supervisor, Clark Ladner, were both terminated by the Long Beach Police Department shortly after the incident.
Was the supervisor criminally charged?
Public reporting indicates Clark Ladner was not criminally charged. Investigators reported he told authorities he did not know Cheyenne remained inside the patrol vehicle.
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