EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A 19-year-old in Texas is facing capital murder charges in the death of her 7-month old son.
Johnette Dukes, 19, reported her son, A’Legend Dukes, missing on May 8, according to El Paso police.
Dukes said she woke up from a nap and her infant was gone.
Responding officers searched for the child in and around the home and found him inside a laundry basket underneath piled clothing, a release said.
“She’s very innocent. What they say about her is just wrong. I just want to let the people know to give her a chance,” Elizondo said. “She’s a person who’s very loving, very caring. She loved that baby a lot. She loved A’Legend a lot. That was her son. She wouldn’t do that.”
According to medical examiners, asphyxia was a factor in the boy’s death.
Dukes was arrested Friday and was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility, where she is awaiting a bond hearing.