by Indianapolis, Indiana — Authorities have arrested a couple following the death of their 1-year-old son, who was pronounced dead just 15 minutes after being brought to Eskenazi Hospital.
Parents Charged with Child Neglect Resulting in Death
Wendy Alvarado, 35, and Dunio Duarte-Rosales, 31, were taken into custody on charges of child neglect resulting in death, according to police reports. The charges stem from the death of their son, Angel, who was reportedly brought to the hospital “cold to the touch” on Monday morning at 10:14 a.m. and pronounced dead shortly after.
“The investigation into Angel’s death began immediately,” police said. “A deputy coroner noted that the little boy only weighed 10 pounds, calling him very malnourished and underweight.”
Officials also noted that Angel’s body was covered in bruises, scratches, and scarring, prompting the child neglect investigation.
Home Search Reveals Additional Concerns
Following Angel’s death, authorities executed a search warrant at the couple’s home, finding two additional young children alone. Both were taken into the custody of the Indiana Department of Child Services. The agency also located the couple’s other children at school. All siblings were reportedly unharmed.
During the search, detectives discovered oxycodone in a drawer accessible to the children. When questioned, Duarte-Rosales admitted to using methamphetamine before and after bringing Angel to the hospital. He claimed he had no explanation for the presence of oxycodone.
Parents’ Statements About Baby’s Health
Court documents reveal that Duarte-Rosales told authorities Angel was born a month premature and was expected to remain small. He added that Angel “barely eats” but appeared happy, so they had not sought regular medical care.
Alvarado reportedly raised concerns about Angel’s condition on the morning he was brought to the hospital, but Duarte-Rosales said he only noticed the child was cold to the touch when checking him at home. Neither parent could explain the bruises, scratches, and scarring on Angel’s body.
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Next Steps in Investigation
An autopsy was performed on Angel, but results have not yet been released. Alvarado and Duarte-Rosales were both booked into Marion County Jail. Bond information was not immediately available, and the couple is scheduled to appear in court on November 21.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the family’s home environment and the circumstances surrounding Angel’s death.
This tragic case highlights the ongoing need for child welfare oversight and community awareness regarding signs of neglect and abuse.
For updates on ongoing cases and to discuss child safety and protective measures, visit mikeandjonpodcast.com.
