Indianapolis, IN – Police say two Indianapolis parents face charges this week after detectives discovered their 1-year-old child deceased and severely malnourished during a Monday morning investigation.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), Child Abuse detectives arrested 35-year-old Wendy Alvarado and 31-year-old Dunio Duarte-Rosales for their alleged involvement in the neglect of a dependent resulting in death. Detectives were called to Eskenazi Hospital around 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, after staff reported the death of a young child brought in by the mother.
Police said that when detectives began their investigation at the hospital, they observed clear signs of severe malnourishment and underweight conditions. According to IMPD, the baby’s father allegedly left the hospital before detectives arrived. Officers later learned two additional children had been left unattended at the home, prompting immediate notification to the Department of Child Services.
Within a few hours, IMPD’s Violent Crimes Unit—assisted by U.S. Marshals—located Duarte-Rosales on Indy’s southwest side, where he was taken into custody without incident. Detectives also executed a search warrant at the family’s residence, where they reported seizing several items of interest, including multiple prescription narcotics.
“Parents are meant to protect and care for their children. Tragically, that responsibility was not carried out here, and Baby Angel suffered the consequences,” IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said in a statement. “This loss is heartbreaking for our community.”
According to IMPD, both parents were arrested following consultation with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. They face preliminary charges of neglect of a dependent resulting in death. Police emphasized the standard legal reminder that all suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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