The mother of a 17-month-old child who was found dead in a Flagstaff hotel room has been arrested, according to police spokesperson Sgt. Jerry Rintala.
About 9:36 a.m. on May 17, officers received a report of a possible infant death at the La Quinta Inn & Suites near Huntington Drive and Bronco Way, Rintala said.
As patrol officers responded to the hotel, they found the toddler in one of the rooms, according to Rintala.
The cause and manner of death of the child is still unknown, pending the medical examiner's report, Rintala said.
During their investigation, officers found two other children, ages 7 and 9, in the room as well. Both children found were "unharmed and are currently safe," Rintala said.
The toddler's mother, Flagstaff resident 31-year-old Ochra Manakaja, was booked into the Coconino County Jail, according to Rintala.
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Manakaja faces charges of first-degree homicide, child abuse and concealment of a deceased body, Rintala said. No other suspects are currently being sought in connection with this investigation, he said.
Anyone with information was asked to call the Flagstaff Police Department at 928-774-1414 or remain anonymous by contacting Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.
