Mother Arrested after 7-Month-Old Found Dead, Toddler Malnourished in Yakima

A 20-year-old mother in Yakima, Washington, has been arrested after her 7-month-old daughter was found dead and her 2-year-old child severely malnourished in their home. The arrest followed a welfare check triggered by a 911 call from the mother, who indicated she was considering suicide and mentioned a dead baby in the apartment. Upon police arrival, they discovered the infant deceased in a bassinet, with an autopsy revealing death by dehydration, while the toddler showed signs of neglect. The mother was found later at a nearby campground after running out of gas, and she now faces multiple felony charges including manslaughter and criminal mistreatment. The conditions of the apartment were described as squalid, with trash and soiled diapers present, prompting involvement from Child Protective Services. The case has raised significant community concern over child welfare and abuse prevention.