A 25-year-old woman has been charged with murder following the death of her 13-month-old daughter and the discovery of the child’s severely malnourished twin brother inside a Washington, D.C., apartment.
Authorities identified the mother as Valencia Duke, who was arrested on June 3 and is facing charges including first-degree felony murder and two counts of first-degree cruelty to children.
According to investigators, police responded to a residence on January 18, where they found toddler Mazouri Jones dead inside the home. Officials said the child’s body was already in an advanced state of decomposition when it was discovered.
The girl’s twin brother was also found alive but allegedly suffering from severe dehydration and malnutrition. Prosecutors claimed the child was in such a weakened condition that he reportedly attempted to eat a paramedic’s stethoscope, mistaking it for food.
An autopsy later determined that Mazouri died from dehydration and malnutrition caused by neglect, according to authorities.
Investigators allege Duke left the twins alone inside the apartment between January 14 and January 18 without adequate food, water or care. Court documents reportedly state the children were left in a playpen during a period of unusually cold winter weather.
Photos included in charging documents allegedly showed the apartment filled with clutter, food containers and various household items scattered throughout the room.
Authorities further claimed Duke admitted to leaving the children unattended for several days without food or water.
Following her arrest, a judge ordered that Duke be held without bond while criminal proceedings continue. The surviving twin remains under the care of authorities as the investigation moves forward.
