Cary mother charged with murdering 2 children had multiple previous reports of neglect

Launice Battle, 29, is charged with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of 2-year-old Trinity and 3-year-old Amora Milbourne.

Battle lived in Cary when Child Protective Services responded to the most recent report of neglect. CPS found no need to provide services and closed that case exactly one month before Battle was accused of killing her daughters.

This brief courtroom appearance last week revealed little about Battle's arrest on two murder charges in connection with the deaths, but WRAL Investigates is piecing together parts of the investigation from police and county records.

A Raleigh Police incident report obtained by WRAL Investigates lists the location of the crime as a building on Atlantic Springs Road. That's where an employee of Vegas Style Sweepstakes says Battle spent about six hours gambling before her daughters were pronounced dead at nearby Duke Raleigh Hospital.

A relative of Battle confirms to WRAL Investigates that 3-year-old Amora was disabled.

The first case reported to CPS came on July 23, 2019, and was due to "concern that parents were not taking a child to medical appointments."

CPS said a social worker "followed up with all providers to ensure that appointments were kept and confirmed that they were.”

The case was closed Oct. 1.

The second neglect case was reported June 4, 2020, regarding follow-up on medical appointments.

CPS found the family was "in need of services."

The report says a "social worker made Home Visits" and home health and child care were provided along with one-on-one parenting coaching and a parenting class.

CPS closed that case 10 months later in April 2021.

The final case was reported this July 8 and involved a concern about improper care and supervision.

The CPS report says, “It was confirmed that Mother was taking child to medical appointments, child was gaining weight, medical collaterals reported no concerns, and family members reported no concerns. Mother appropriately responded to medical needs of the child.”

That case was closed July 27.

Family: Mother charged with murder in death of toddlers made 'careless mistake,' left girls in hot car

Battle is held without bond on two murder charges. The capital defender's office tells WRAL Investigates it is still working to appoint her an attorney.

Battle's next court date is set for Sept. 19.