Mother charged with murder, torture in death of 3-year-old son found in freezer

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DETROIT – The mother of a 3-year-old boy who was found dead in a freezer last week is charged with murder and other crimes related to the child’s death, authorities said.

Azuradee France, 31, is charged with felony murder, first-degree child abuse, torture, and concealing the death of an individual, according to a news release from the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.

“The alleged facts in this case have astounded even the seriously jaded,” Prosecutor Kym Worthy said. “Our children continue to be at risk – not just from gun violence but also from the alleged murderer that lives in the house with them.”

RELATED: 5 children removed from home where 3-year-old boy was found dead in freezer

The toddler’s decomposing body was discovered around 1 a.m. Friday, June 24, when Detroit police officers were dispatched to a home in the 12760 block of Monte Vista Street for a welfare check on a child. The medical examiner later determined that the death was a homicide.

During the welfare check, the home was found to be in poor condition, raising concerns for five children living there. They were all taken to a local hospital for physical evaluation. They will also be interviewed by a child psychologist. Child Protective Services is placing them in foster homes.

RELATED: 3-year-old boy found dead in freezer at Michigan home, police say

France was arraigned on the charges Sunday, June 26, and was remanded to jail. The probable cause conference is at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, July 8, and the preliminary examination is at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 15, both before Judge Kenneth King.

The case remains under investigation. The facts and evidence will be placed on the record at the preliminary examination. The DPD Homicide Division is leading the investigation with help from the child abuse division and in cooperation with CPS.

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