Suffer the Little Children: Bonus Minisode #6 – Harper Littell

Podcast: Suffer the Little Children
Host: Lane
Release Date: March 29, 2025
Episode Focus: Examining the deaths of infant sisters Ava and Harper Littell, the subsequent investigation into their father Zachary Littell, and the impact on their surviving family.

Episode Overview

This emotionally charged bonus minisode delves into the tragic cases of Ava and Harper Littell, two infant sisters from North Carolina whose untimely deaths within two years of each other revealed disturbing patterns and ultimately led to a criminal conviction. Host Lane revisits the complexities of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) diagnoses, the signals missed (or ignored) in Ava’s autopsy, and the horrifying events surrounding Harper’s death—culminating in the second-degree murder conviction of their father, Zachary Lee Littell. Throughout, Lane highlights the agony endured by the surviving family, especially the girls’ mother, Abigail, and her son.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Death of Ava Marie Littell (08:45–12:30)

• Ava Marie Littell, daughter of Zachary and Abigail, died at eight months old on August 4, 2016.
• Initial reports, led by her grandmother, described the death as SIDS, though it was unusual since SIDS most commonly affects infants under 6 months.
• Autopsy findings:
  • Bruising on the back of Ava’s head and scalp contusions of varying ages (one recent).
  • Injuries not typically associated with crawling or ordinary infant movement.
  • No convincing explanation for these injuries; dismissed as potential head banging during "scooting."
  • Cause of death ultimately ruled undetermined; no charges filed.
• Quote (Lane, 11:35):
  “Despite these suspicious findings, Ava's cause of death was deemed undetermined and no charges were pressed…”

2. Harper Renee Littell’s Death and the Investigation (12:31–20:47)

• Harper Renee Littell died 17 months later at just seven weeks old (January 5, 2018).
• Harper was found unresponsive at home; initial claim by Zachary was that she fell from a portable baby bathtub.
• Medical examiner's autopsy contradicted this, citing:
  • Swollen areas on Harper’s head, bruises around lips and back of head.
  • Bleeding between the brain and meninges, skull fractures, brain swelling.
  • Injuries inconsistent with an infant fall; ruled as blunt force trauma.
  • Manner of death: homicide.
• Quote (Dr. Mary Gilliland via Lane, 19:08):
  “Based on seen circumstances and the autopsy findings, it is my opinion that the cause of death in this case is blunt force injuries of the head.”
• Family suffering: Abigail was at work on her first day back from maternity leave when Harper was fatally injured.

3. Background and Legal Ramifications for Zachary Littell (20:48–27:30)

• Zachary’s criminal history:
  • 2012: Arrested for indecent exposure.
  • 2015: Arrested for assaulting Abigail (while pregnant with Ava); charges later dropped.
  • Prior drug charges in 2009.
• Arrest & Charges:
  • Arrested January 24, 2018 for Harper’s murder (after police investigation).
  • Held without bond for over three years pending trial.
• Quote (Lane, 25:41):
  “This case was resolved just this past week after three and a half years. At a court hearing… Zachary Littell accepted a plea deal…18 to 22 years in prison.”

4. Plea Deal and Sentencing (27:31–32:45)

• Zachary accepted an Alford plea for second-degree murder in Harper’s death.
  • Explanation of Alford plea: maintains innocence while acknowledging likely conviction.
  • Noteworthy precedent: West Memphis Three, Michael Peterson (“The Staircase”).
• Family involvement:
  • Plea in accordance with family wishes—balancing their need for closure and the realities of court prosecution.
  • Emotional victim impact statements from Abigail, who struggled with explaining the loss to her surviving son.
  • Quote (Abigail, via court statement, 31:17):
    “My son, in my eyes, is overlooked so much. He's seven years old and I have to explain to him where his sisters were.”
• Sentencing: minimum 18 years in prison, no contact with surviving family, counseling ordered.

5. Prison Update (32:46–33:45)

• As of 2025, Zachary transferred to Columbus Correctional Institution.
• Six prison infractions since incarceration, including high-risk acts and disobeying orders as recently as February 2025.
• Quote (Lane, 33:30):
  “Sounds like it's going great for him.” (Sarcastic comment on Zachary’s lack of adjustment to prison life.)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On SIDS and Missed Signals (10:10):
  "...the contusions were large and posterior, not in an area likely to be associated with activities of an eight month old infant." (Lane on Ava's autopsy findings)
• On Justice Limitations (13:06):
  “If science doesn’t provide the evidence, no evidence, no conviction.” (Sheriff Hans Miller)
• On Family Pain (17:40):
  “I can’t imagine the pain Abigail lives with every day of her life after losing not one, but two infant daughters.” (Lane)
• On Prosecutorial Realities (29:07):
  “We have families... their first emotion might be anger... we play such a small role in these families' grieving process because… we can’t bring Harper back.” (Onslow County District Attorney Ernie Lee)
• Closing Empathy (33:34):
  “My deepest sympathy goes out to Abigail, her son, and everyone else who loved Harper and Ava. I can’t imagine how broken their hearts must be and I hope they’re all able to heal and move forward while keeping both of these sweet little girls’ memories alive.” (Lane)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 08:45 – Details on Ava Littell’s death; autopsy scrutiny
• 12:30 – Emergency call for Harper Littell and discovery of injuries
• 16:40 – Medical examiner’s conclusion; homicide ruling in Harper’s case
• 20:48 – Zachary Littell’s criminal history overview
• 25:41 – Resolution of case and details of Alford plea
• 27:31 – Sentencing, family’s perspective, and impact statements
• 32:46 – 2025 update on Zachary’s prison infractions and current status
• 33:34 – Closing tribute to Ava and Harper’s family

Tone & Style

Lane delivers the episode in a compassionate, forthright manner, combining careful examination of official documents and autopsy findings with empathy for the victims’ family. The language is clear and direct, often laced with sorrow and a call for awareness about the unseen dangers to children in vulnerable scenarios.

Conclusion

This bonus minisode of Suffer the Little Children serves both as a memorial for Ava and Harper Littell and as a somber reminder of the cracks that can exist within child protection systems. Lane’s storytelling honors the lives lost, underscores the lasting devastation for survivors, and stresses the importance of vigilance and advocacy for children everywhere.