Parents charged in death of Michigan toddler found in motel

Posted at 7:19 AM, October 7, 2021 and last updated 12:49 AM, December 13, 2022

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (Scripps News Detroit) — Police say the parents of a 14-month-old boy found dead at a Michigan Motel 6 have been arraigned on charges.

Farmington Hills authorities have charged Isaias Aurelio Porras, 31, with felony murder and first-degree child abuse. The child’s mother, 30-year-old Amanda Jajou, is facing charges of second-degree murder, second-degree child abuse and accessary after the crime.

According to Farmington Hills police, 14-month-old Daniel Porras was found deceased with “several injuries” in a Motel 6 when police arrived on scene for a wellness check on October 3.

month-old at Farmington Hills motel
Farmington Hills police say the mother and father of a 14-month-old boy found dead at a Motel 6 on October 3 were arraigned on charges today in 47th District Court. (WXYZ)

A friend of Jajou told WXYZ, “Its very out of character. Very out of character. I’m speechless right now.” Jajou lived with the woman at her Hazel Park home for about two years.

“For me to find this out if very unbelievable,” the woman added.

The judge ordered both to be held without bond. The pair have a preliminary exam date set for October 20.

“The Farmington Hills Police Department and our community are heartbroken over this tragic loss and my thoughts and prayers go out to the child’s family,” said Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King in a press release.

Police say anyone who has a concern for the safety and wellbeing of neighbors, friends or family members is urged to contact law enforcement.

Police say the family was living at the Motel 6 in Farmington Hills at the time of the boy’s death.

This story was originally published October 6, 2021, by WXYZ in Detroit, an E.W. Scripps Company.