A Michigan mother is now facing criminal charges after authorities say she stood by and did nothing while her young son suffered fatal seizures — even though life-saving medication had been prescribed to prevent exactly that.
Latoya Washington, 37, of Southfield, Michigan, has been charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of her 4-year-old son, Curtis Washington.
According to law enforcement, the tragedy unfolded on January 25, 2025, at an apartment complex in Southfield, a suburb of Detroit. Officers responded to a call about an unresponsive child. Curtis was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
What investigators uncovered next shocked even seasoned law enforcement.
Just two days before his death, Curtis had been hospitalized after suffering multiple seizures. Doctors stabilized him and prescribed medication specifically to prevent future episodes. Rather than follow medical guidance, Washington took her son home against the advice of hospital staff.
Over the next two days — January 24 and January 25 — Curtis experienced more seizures. Investigators say Washington did not administer his prescribed medication, nor did she seek emergency medical help as his condition deteriorated. She allegedly watched the seizures happen without intervention.
Curtis did not survive.
Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren addressed the tragedy directly, stating that children with medical conditions are entirely dependent on their caregivers, and that adults responsible for their care must take medical concerns seriously, follow treatment plans, and seek immediate help when a child’s condition worsens.
Prosecutors described Washington’s conduct as a “grossly negligent failure to provide necessary medical care.”
Washington was arraigned and released on a $20,000 personal bond with GPS monitoring. She is scheduled to appear in court on July 2 for a probable cause conference.
Curtis Washington was four years old. He never had the chance to advocate for himself.
