A Detroit mother, Latoya Washington, 37, has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of her 4-year-old son, Curtis. Police were called to Washington's Southfield, Michigan, apartment on January 25, 2025, after a report of a child not breathing. Curtis was found unresponsive and transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators learned that two days prior to his death, Curtis had experienced a series of seizures and was taken to a hospital. Medical staff stabilized him and prescribed medication to prevent further seizures. However, authorities allege that Washington had her son discharged from the hospital against medical advice shortly after his condition improved. Police stated that Washington then failed to administer the prescribed medication to Curtis, leading to further seizures on January 24 and January 25, which culminated in his death.
Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren emphasized the critical reliance of children, particularly those with medical conditions, on their caregivers. "Parents and caregivers must take medical concerns seriously, follow treatment plans, and seek immediate medical attention when a child’s condition worsens," Barren said in a statement. "A vulnerable child cannot advocate for themselves, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being."
Washington was arraigned in 46th District Court and has since posted a $20,000 bond. She is required to wear a GPS monitoring device and is scheduled to return to court on July 2.