Mother Of Child Found Dead In Queens Homeless Shelter Charged With Murder
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The mother of a 4-year-old girl found dead in a Queens homeless shelter this week is now under arrest.
Linayjah Meraldo was found unconscious and unresponsive at the Briarwood Family Residence on 134th Street Thursday afternoon.
Her mother, 35-year-old Latoya Curry, has been charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child. She is currently awaiting arraignment in Queens Criminal Court.
Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said Curry allegedly brutalized the little girl after she had spilled lotion on the floor Wednesday night.
"This is a very disturbing case. The defendant allegedly became angry when the girl spilled lotion and struck her in the face and stomach," Brown said. "The woman then allegedly threw the child against a wall and struck her again. The defendant is now facing serious charges that could put her behind bars for the rest of her life."
The district attorney said that even after Linayjah cried and complained of abdominal pain that night and the next morning, nothing was done to help her.
According to Brown, the Medical Examiner's Office said Linayjah died of blunt force trauma to her torso.
An autopsy revealed she had suffered internal injuries including multiple recent and healed rib fractures, a torn small intestine, internal bleeding and extensive bruising. The Medical Examiner's Office said she appeared to be malnourished as well.
If convicted, Curry faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
This is the second child death in a homeless shelter within the past week.
Last Saturday, 3-year-old Jeida Torres died at a Bushwick shelter. Her stepfather, 20-year-old Kelsey Smith, is charged with her murder.
The Department of Homeless Services released a statement saying, "The loss of a child is always terribly disturbing. We are responsible for the safety of our children and families, and we are working closely with the Police Department to investigate the tragic death."
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