Byram, MS – A distressing incident at a Walmart in Byram, a suburb of Jackson, has led to the arrest of 26-year-old Kambria Darby on charges of child neglect. On January 17, alarmed shoppers called the police after noticing Darby’s 2-year-old son dressed only in a diaper, despite below-freezing temperatures outside.
The situation, which quickly escalated into a viral phenomenon, was initially documented by Walmart employee Felicia Darling. She captured the events on her phone and shared the footage on Facebook, although it has since been removed. A TikTok version of the video, posted by user Clat88, has amassed over 15 million views, reflecting widespread concern.
In the video, one shopper is seen providing additional clothing for the shivering child, who was seated in a shopping cart. A notable moment occurred when Darby, seemingly unmindful of the cold, placed a frozen food item on the child’s legs, sparking a heated exchange with another shopper who criticized her actions.
Darling, witnessing the scene, can be heard urging others to contact the police due to the apparent neglect: “Somebody call the police on her,” she says in the video. “When you come in the store fully dressed and your baby’s not. Poor baby.”
The police responded to the calls and arrested Darby. She was subsequently taken to the Hinds County Detention Center but has since been released on bond.
In a follow-up, local CBS affiliate WJTV reported that Child Protective Services intervened, placing the child with a relative. The temperature on that day was a chilling 20 degrees, with even colder wind chills.
Despite the allegations, Darby’s relatives have come forward, defending her as a good mother who erred in judgment.