Washington, D.C. — A Washington, D.C., woman is facing murder and child cruelty charges after authorities say she left her 13-month-old twins alone inside an apartment for several days, resulting in the death of one child and the severe neglect of the other.
The heartbreaking case has sparked outrage after investigators revealed disturbing details about the condition in which the children were allegedly found.
Toddler Found Dead Inside Apartment
According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, officers responded to a residence on January 18 where they discovered 13-month-old Mazouri Jones deceased.
Authorities said the child was found “deceased and decomposing” inside the apartment.
The girl’s twin brother was also located inside the residence and was reportedly suffering from severe neglect.
According to prosecutors, the surviving child was “dehydrated and malnourished” when emergency responders arrived.
The circumstances immediately triggered a major criminal investigation.
Mother Arrested Months Later
Police announced that 25-year-old Valencia Duke was arrested on June 3 in connection with the child’s death.
She now faces multiple charges, including first-degree felony murder and two counts of first-degree cruelty to children.
Authorities allege Duke left both children alone inside the apartment between January 14 and January 18.
Investigators have not publicly identified who initially contacted police regarding the emergency that led officers to the residence.
A judge later ordered Duke to be held without bond, according to local reports.
Autopsy Revealed Cause of Death
An autopsy conducted during the investigation determined that Mazouri died from severe neglect.
According to police, the medical examiner concluded the child died from dehydration and malnutrition due to neglect.
Court documents obtained by local media reportedly allege that the twins were intentionally left inside a playpen for days without adequate food, water or heat.
Authorities say the alleged neglect occurred during an unusually cold winter period in Washington, D.C. The findings became a key part of the criminal case now being pursued by prosecutors.
Surviving Twin Reportedly Suffered Extreme Starvation
Investigators say the surviving twin was found in an alarming physical condition.
According to reports cited in court documents, emergency responders observed signs of severe hunger and dehydration.
Police said the child was so starved that he allegedly attempted to eat a paramedic’s stethoscope after rescue crews arrived.
The heartbreaking allegation has drawn widespread attention and concern as details of the case continue to emerge.
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The surviving child was immediately taken for medical treatment following the discovery.
Apartment Conditions Described as Disturbing
Photos included in charging documents reportedly showed clutter, food containers and household items scattered throughout the apartment.
Investigators allege Duke later admitted to leaving the children without food or water for four days.
Authorities continue to pursue the criminal case as prosecutors work to present evidence surrounding the allegations.
At this time, it remains unclear whether Duke has entered a plea, and her attorney has not publicly commented on the charges.
The case remains one of the most disturbing child neglect investigations reported in the Washington, D.C., area this year.
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