Authorities in California say a missing boy’s mother and aunt were arrested on suspicion of brutally killing him.
According to ABC News, 29-year-old Jakee Raquel Flores and her sister, Jennifer Rachel Contreras, are expected to face criminal charges including murder following a police visit to a home in Apple Valley earlier this week.
Officers reportedly arrived in response to a relative’s request that they perform a welfare check on 6-year-old Duke Flores. Upon questioning, the child’s mother said he had been missing for about two weeks.
Police initially arrested her on suspicion of child neglect because she did not report his supposed disappearance.
Two days into a search for the boy, there had been no confirmation that he had been found — and initial reports did not specify why Flores and her twin sister are now facing murder charges.
Duke lived at the home along with his mother, aunt and two other children, according to reports. He is described as 3 feet 10 inches tall with brown hair and eyes.
A police statement indicated that the “investigation is ongoing and detectives are continuing the search for Duke Flores.”
Anyone with information can contact the Apple Valley Police Department by calling 760-240-7400 extension 7412.
Both suspects were being held behind bars without bail as of the latest reports available.
[Featured image: Duke Flores, Apple Valley Police Department]
