TAMPA, Fla. – A 36-year-old mother is charged with murder in connection with the death and suspected abuse of her infant son.
According to the Tampa Police Department, on June 29, soon after 4:30 a.m., officers arrived at a home after Arayiah Hudson called to report that her son, Joseph Hudson, was unresponsive. Police attempted lifesaving measures, but the infant was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Arayiah Hudson claimed to authorities that her son “began coughing and having difficulty breathing after eating potato chips and drinking water.” However, detectives discovered evidence indicating a history of alleged mistreatment.
An autopsy indicated that Joseph Hudson suffered bruises, abrasions, and internal bleeding. The medical examiner ruled that the infant died from blunt force trauma to the head and thorax.
Police allege Joseph Hudson’s mother attempted to conceal the abuse. Arayiah Hudson reportedly claimed she punished her son and used cosmetics to conceal bruising around his eyes.
On the evening of July 1, officers arrested Hudson at her residence on charges of first-degree murder and severe child abuse. She is still being held without bond at the Hillsborough County Jail as per truecrimenews.
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According to authorities, the victim’s siblings are in the custody of their biological dads.
Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw described the incident as a “heinous crime.”
He went on: “Every child deserves to feel safe in their own home and especially with their mother.”