Suspect in Foster Child Abuse Dies Before Court Date

By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A woman accused of abusing a foster child in her care by burning him with a heated potato masher, causing second and third-degree burns on his arm and leg, has died.

Joycelyn Louis passed away two weeks ago from heart failure, according to her defense attorney, Gary Higgonbotham.

Louis, who was often confined to a wheelchair, was due in court Wednesday for a competency hearing.

More on News9.com:
- Woman Accused of Burning 9-year-old Foster Child
- Arrest Warrant Issued Against Foster Mother Accused of Burning Child With Potato Masher
- State Records Conflict Claims of Woman Accused of Burning Child With Potato Masher
- Woman Accused of Burning Child with Potato Masher Out on Bond