Alabama Mother Wanted for Murder of Down Syndrome Son Found Dead in Texas

An Alabama mother wanted in the death of her son in March was found dead last week in Texas.

The medical examiner of the Southwestern Institute of Forensics Science in Dallas, Texas, told detectives in Alabama that 53-year-old Serena Starkey died on June 21, WVTM reported. Foul play is not suspected, but cause and manner of death are pending an autopsy.

The Shelby County, Alabama, District Attorney’s Office obtained a murder warrant for Starkey on June 7 after the county coroner determined that 13-year-old Aston Starkey had died from malnutrion and dehydration, complicated by neglect, and classified his death as a homicide, CrimeOnline reported.

The boy, who had Down Syndrome, was found dead at an Extended Stay America in Birmingham on March 2. Officials said at the time he died under suspicious circumstances and launched an investigation.

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[Featured image: Serena Starkey/Birmingham Police Department]