Police said one twin died and the other survived after severe dehydration.
WASHINGTON — A 25-year-old D.C. mother was held without bond after prosecutors said her 13-month-old twins were left alone for days, leaving one child dead and the other hospitalized.
Valencia Duke appeared in D.C. Superior Court on Thursday, one day after her arrest by the Capitol Regional Fugitive Task Force. Judge Heidi Hermann found probable cause in the case. Duke faces first-degree felony murder and two counts of first-degree cruelty to children.
The charges stem from a Jan. 18 emergency call at an apartment in the 4700 block of Southern Avenue Southeast. Police said officers entered the home and found 13-month-old Mazouri Jones dead. Her twin brother was alive but severely dehydrated and malnourished, according to court documents. He was taken to a hospital and treated for several days.
Investigators said the children had been left completely alone from Jan. 14 through Jan. 18. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined Mazouri died from dehydration and malnourishment due to neglect. Her manner of death was ruled a homicide. Police said the girl’s body was decomposing when officers found her.
During the court hearing, Duke’s attorney told the judge that Duke is pregnant again. The statement came as the judge considered whether Duke should remain in custody while the criminal case continues. Hermann ordered her held without bond pending trial.
The Metropolitan Police Department’s Special Victims Unit is investigating. Officials have not said whether other adults were involved or whether child welfare agencies had prior contact with the family. Those details remained unclear Friday.
The case now moves through D.C. Superior Court, where prosecutors are expected to present additional filings and evidence. Duke remained in custody Friday on the murder and child cruelty charges.
Author note: Last updated June 5, 2026.