D.C. mom charged after 13-month-old daughter’s body was found decomposing in playpen
06/08/2026 9:25 am PDT
WASHINGTON (TCN) -- A 25-year-old mother is being held without bond after one of her twin toddlers was found decomposing in a playpen after allegedly being neglected for days.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, first responders arrived at an apartment on Jan. 18 after receiving a report of an unconscious child. Twin 13-month-olds were found in the apartment, and the girl, Mazouri Jones, was pronounced dead at the scene.
WJLA reports the twins were found in a playpen. Jones had already begun decomposing and her twin brother was alive next to her. Investigators learned their mother, Valencia Duke, allegedly left them alone for several days. When Duke learned Jones had died, she reportedly showed no emotion, according to investigators.
Charging documents obtained by WJLA contain images showing the alleged living conditions in the home, including insect-infested formula, rancid liquid, and bags of crack cocaine. In her interviews with investigators, Duke allegedly admitted she left the toddlers alone for days. Over the course of 92 hours, she reportedly was only in the apartment with them for two hours.
Jones’ brother, whose name has not been released, was treated at the hospital. His ribs were protruding, he had hypothermia, and he was reportedly so hungry he tried to eat a medical provider’s stethoscope because he thought it was food, according to WJLA.
Jones’ cause of death was ruled to be dehydration and malnourishment due to neglect and was declared a homicide. Duke was arrested June 3 and charged with first-degree felony murder, according to police. WJLA reports she is also facing charges of cruelty against children.
Jones is currently pregnant, per WJLA. She is being held without bond. Law & Crime reports her preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 11.
MORE:
