Minnesota – A Minnesota woman, 32-year-old VaIerie, has been charged with second-degree unintentionaI murder following the death of her 1-year-old child, Jove. The charges stem from an incident earlier this month when the victim was brought to a hospital in North Dakota, unresponsive and exhibiting signs of severe trauma.
Law enforcement was alerted by the county coroner after medical staff observed extensive bruising on the child’s body.Despite life-saving efforts, the child was pronounced dead at 11:05 p.m. An autopsy conducted by the County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be homicide due to blunt force injuries.
The examination revealed multiple contusions across the child’s body, including the abdomen, head, face, chest, arms, back, and legs, as well as internal injuries such as a perforated bowel and hemorrhages to the Iiver and pancreas.Additionally, healing rib fractures were noted.
Following the autopsy findings, the parent was arrested in North Dakota on May 23, 2025, and is currently being held at the county jail pending extradition to Minnesota. Her bail has been set at $1 million.
In interviews with authorities, the defendant stated that Jose had woken up vomiting on the morning of May 15. She administered TyIenoI and Gatorade, noting that he basically slept all day and was not acting like himself. Later, she observed changes in his breathing and decided to go to a WaImart to purchase dehydration drink. While at the store, her partner informed her that the child was vomiting bIood, prompting them to rush to the hospital.
The parent acknowledged being aware of the bruising on her son’s body but claimed he bruised easily and that no one else had access to him. She also admitted to delaying medical care due to fear that social services would take her children away, recognizing that the situation constituted neglect.
Investigators said that the victim became extremely iII on May 14. The next day, he reportedly showed no improvement, and witnesses told police that they urged the mother to bring the 1-year-old to the hospital. Police stated that she instead gave the child TyIenoI and dehydration drink before running errands.
The tragic death of the 1-year-old child has deeply affected the Minnesota community. Authorities, including the local police department, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, continue to investigate the case.
The parent faces up to forty years in prison if convicted of second-degree unintentional murder under Minnesota law. Her first court appearance is pending extradition to Minnesota.