Flagstaff, Arizona — An Arizona mother is facing numerous serious felony charges after authorities say her 16-month-old son was found dead inside a hotel room earlier this month under horrifying circumstances.
According to officials in Coconino County, 32-year-old Ochra Manakaja was indicted on nearly two dozen felony charges after investigators discovered the toddler’s body at a hotel in Flagstaff on May 17.
Disturbing 911 Call Sparks Investigation
Investigators say the case began after Manakaja allegedly called 911 and made a chilling confession before abruptly ending the call.
According to court documents cited by multiple outlets, she allegedly told the dispatcher:
“I killed him.”
Police officers immediately responded to the hotel where she had reportedly been staying.
Once inside the room, authorities made a disturbing discovery.
Toddler’s Body Found Inside Tote Bag
According to police, officers found the child’s body wrapped inside a tote bag that had been placed into a plastic storage container.
Authorities have not publicly identified the child, but investigators confirmed the victim was 16 months old.
The discovery led detectives to launch a deeper investigation into what allegedly happened in the weeks before the child’s death.
Investigators Detail Alleged Abuse
Court documents cited by local outlets state that Manakaja allegedly admitted to investigators that she became frustrated with the child because he would not stop crying.
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Police allege she told detectives she threw the toddler into his crib on April 29.
According to investigators, the boy’s condition reportedly worsened over the following days. Authorities claim Manakaja admitted she failed to seek medical attention even after the child began vomiting and stopped eating.
Court records further allege the child later developed a fever before becoming unresponsive.
Investigators say Manakaja allegedly found him with his eyes closed on May 1.
Authorities then accuse her of placing the child’s body into a freezer for approximately two weeks before eventually transporting him to the hotel room where he was later discovered.
Two Other Children Rescued
During the investigation and arrest, authorities also removed two additional children from Manakaja’s care.
Police said the boys, ages 7 and 9, were rescued at the time officers took her into custody.
Officials have not publicly released further details regarding the condition of the two surviving children.
Mother Faces Multiple Serious Charges
According to online court records, Manakaja now faces an extensive list of criminal charges, including:
- One count of first-degree murder
- One count of second-degree murder
- One count of abandonment or concealment of a dead body
- 18 counts of child abuse
Authorities have not yet released information regarding legal representation or whether Manakaja has formally denied the allegations.
The case has shocked the local community and sparked emotional reactions online due to the disturbing allegations involving the death of such a young child.
Officials continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the case.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org for confidential support available 24/7.
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