A mother in Arizona has been arrested after police say her 17-month-old son was found dead inside a hotel room in a disturbing case that has stunned the Flagstaff community.
Police responded Sunday morning, May 17, to the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Flagstaff after receiving a report about a possible dead infant inside one of the rooms.
According to reports, the toddler’s mother, 31-year-old Ochra Manakaja, called 911 shortly after 9:30 a.m. and told the dispatcher her child was dead.
When asked what happened, she allegedly replied, “I killed him,” before hanging up.
Officers arrived at the hotel and found the child’s body wrapped in a tote inside a clear plastic box, according to AZ Family. Two other children, ages 9 and 7, were also found in the room. Police said they were not injured.
Investigators say Manakaja later told officers the toddler had been crying and fussing on April 29 when she became frustrated and threw him into his crib.
According to court documents cited by AZ Family, the boy’s condition worsened in the days that followed. He reportedly developed a fever on May 1, but Manakaja allegedly did not seek medical help because she was afraid she would get into trouble.
She later told police she checked on him and found him lying face up with his eyes closed and not breathing. She reportedly said she believed he had choked after vomiting.
According to investigators, Manakaja said she remembered the day clearly because she did not want to leave the hotel room but had to take a drug test as part of her DUI probation.
After returning, she allegedly wrapped her son’s body in a blanket, covered him in plastic, taped him up, and placed him in a freezer, where police say the body remained for about two weeks.
Authorities say Manakaja expressed remorse during questioning, allegedly telling investigators she “f—ed up” and that her son did not deserve to die.
Police announced Monday, May 18, that Manakaja had been arrested on charges including first-degree murder, child abuse, and concealment of a dead body.
She appeared in court the same day and was booked into the Coconino County Jail on a $1 million bond.
Court records cited by Fox 10 Phoenix reportedly show Manakaja has a criminal history that includes aggravated assault and drug possession.
The case has also raised questions about prior child welfare involvement.
Arizona’s Department of Child Services told Fox 10 Phoenix it received a report involving Manakaja and her family in December 2024. The agency said that after an investigation, it determined the child was unsafe and obtained court authorization to take custody.
However, DCS said that after the child was removed, the mother’s tribe asserted jurisdiction and assumed custody.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the medical examiner will officially determine the toddler’s cause of death.
Police said they are not looking for any other suspects. Anyone with information is asked to contact Flagstaff police or Silent Witness.
Whay a lovely POS of a mother. Hope she rots in prison