A Kentucky couple is facing serious criminal charges after their 1-year-old child died following an alleged choking incident inside a home that investigators described as dangerously unsanitary.

Deavan Williams, 22, and Alexandrae Price, 22, were arrested after authorities responded to the child’s death in Allen County. Williams, who was caring for the boy at the time, faces murder and child-abuse charges, while Price, the child’s mother, has been charged with child abuse.

According to investigators, the child became unresponsive after allegedly choking on part of a feces-covered diaper. He was taken to a hospital but could not be saved. Authorities also reported injuries including bruising and bleeding around his mouth, prompting a broader investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Police said the child had been living in extremely poor conditions. Investigators reportedly found large amounts of trash, dirty diapers, animal waste, cat urine, raw sewage and other hazardous material inside the property. The child’s playpen was allegedly positioned in an area contaminated with waste, and authorities said the home lacked adequate ventilation and air conditioning.

Investigators also alleged that the adults knew the child had previously consumed diapers and other unsafe objects. According to the arrest documents, Williams told police that he had been aware of the behavior and had been caring for the child when the fatal incident occurred.

Animal-control officers later removed 16 animals from the property, including dogs, cats and an opossum. Officials said several of the animals were in poor condition.

Williams was initially arrested on a child-abuse charge before investigators obtained a murder warrant. Price remains charged with child abuse. The allegations against both defendants will now be addressed through the court system, and neither has been convicted.

The case has raised serious questions about whether the child’s death could have been prevented and what the adults responsible for him knew about the dangers surrounding him. Prosecutors will ultimately have to establish the facts and prove the charges in court.

The defendants were scheduled to appear in Allen County District Court on August 12. The investigation remains ongoing.

Sources: https://nypost.com/2026/08/10/us-news/parents-jailed-after-baby-chokes-to-death-on-dirty-diaper-while-living-in-trash-filled-garage-police/