A mother in Michigan was arrested in connection to her 4-year-old son’s death after she allegedly failed to provide him with necessary medical care as he suffered several seizures.
Latoya Washington was charged with one count of involuntary homicide following the death of Curtis Washington.
Curtis died more than one year before the arrest on January 25, 2025, at the French Quarter Apartments in Southfield.
On the day of the incident, police reported to the residence after they received a call about an unresponsive child, according to a Southfield Police Department press release obtained by The Oakland Press. Curtis was then rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was ultimately pronounced dead.
An investigation was then launched into Curtis’ death, which revealed he had been hospitalized after he suffered multiple seizures two days before his death. Doctors stabilized his condition during the initial hospital visit and prescribed medication to help prevent any more seizures, according to authorities.
Authorities said that Latoya, 37, then took Curtis home against medical advice.
Curtis experienced more seizures on January 24 and January 25, and police said that Latoya failed to provide the seizure-prevention medication that was given to her by doctors. Additionally, police believe she did not give her son his prescribed medication as the seizures were happening.
“This case is a heartbreaking reminder that children, especially those with medical conditions, depend entirely on the adults responsible for their care,” Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren said in a statement. “Parents and caregivers must take medical concerns seriously, follow treatment plans, and seek immediate medical attention when a child’s condition worsens. A vulnerable child cannot advocate for themselves, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being.”
Prosecutors claimed that Curtis’ death was caused by a “grossly negligent failure to provide necessary medical care,” according to WDIV.
LaToya was arraigned on Tuesday, June 23, and was released after she posted a $20,000 personal bond. She was released under the condition that she wear a GPS tether monitoring. She is next scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, July 2, for a probable cause conference before 46th District Court Judge Cynthia Arvant.
It is not currently clear if LaToya has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following her arrest. The Southfield Police Department did not immediately respond to Us Weekly’s request for comment regarding the case.
The investigation into the case remains ongoing.
