Mother of toddler found dead inside Flagstaff hotel room arrested, police say

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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.

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.

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