Mother arrested in flagstaff after toddler’s body discovered in freezer at hotel room

A 31-year-old Arizona mother has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after authorities say her 17-month-old son was found dead inside a hotel room freezer, where his body had allegedly been stored for about two weeks.

Ochra Manakaja was taken into custody following a disturbing discovery at a La Quinta Inn & Suites in Flagstaff on Sunday, May 17, according to Flagstaff Police.

Police said officers were dispatched after Manakaja called 911 shortly after 9:30 a.m. and reported that her child was dead.

According to court documents cited by local outlets, she allegedly told the dispatcher, “I killed him,” before ending the call.

When officers arrived at the hotel room, they found the 17-month-old boy’s body wrapped and placed inside a plastic container.

Two other children, aged 7 and 9, were also discovered inside the room but were unharmed.

Investigators allege Manakaja told police she had thrown the toddler into his crib on April 29 out of frustration while he was crying.

She reportedly said the child later became ill and developed a fever days afterward, but she did not seek medical help, fearing consequences due to her legal situation.

According to court records cited by local media, the child was later found unresponsive. Manakaja allegedly believed he may have choked after vomiting.

She told investigators she checked on him after returning from a required drug test related to probation and found him not breathing.

Authorities further allege that after the child’s death, Manakaja wrapped his body in layers of fabric and plastic before placing it in a freezer inside the hotel room, where it remained for approximately two weeks before she contacted emergency services.

During questioning, she reportedly expressed remorse, telling investigators she had “f---ed up” and that her son did not deserve to die.

Manakaja was formally charged with first-degree murder, child abuse, and concealment of a dead body.

She appeared in court on Monday, May 18, and is being held at the Coconino County Jail on a $1 million bond.

Court records indicate she has a prior criminal history, including charges related to aggravated assault and drug possession.

Arizona’s Department of Child Services said it had previously received a report concerning the family in December 2024. The agency said it had initially removed the child after deeming him unsafe, but custody was later transferred following jurisdictional claims made by the child’s tribe.