Mother of toddler found dead inside Flagstaff hotel room arrested, police say
Flagstaff woman arrested after child found dead at hotel
There's new developments after a shocking discovery was made in Flagstaff. Police have arrested the mother of a toddler who was found dead inside a hotel room. FOX 10's Taylor Wirtz has more.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - The mother of a toddler who was found dead inside a Flagstaff hotel room over the weekend has been arrested.
The backstory:
On May 17, Flagstaff police responded to reports of a possible dead infant at the La Quinta Inn, located at 1000 N. Bronco Way, just after 9:30 a.m.
When officers got to the hotel, they found the child dead inside one of the hotel rooms. Two other children, ages 7 and 9, were also found inside the room, but they were not hurt.
Infant found dead inside Flagstaff hotel room, 2 other children found safe
An infant was found dead inside a room at a hotel in Flagstaff on Sunday morning.
Dig deeper:
On Monday, police said the toddler's mother, 31-year-old Ochra Manakaja, had been arrested and booked into jail. She's accused of first-degree murder, child abuse and concealment of a dead body.
Ochra Manakaja
Police say no other suspects are being sought in the case.
What we don't know:
The toddler's cause and manner of death are unknown. The child's identity wasn't released.
What you can do:
Police ask anyone with information on the case to call them at 928-774-1414. You can also call Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.
Map of the area where the hotel is located:
The Source: The Flagstaff Police Department and a FOX 10 report on May 17, 2026.