Columbia, MD – A 27-year-old woman has been charged with murder and child abuse following the death of her 3-year-old child, who was found with signs of severe neglect and trauma inside a Columbia residence last fall, Howard County police announced.
Shalyne Brown, who had no fixed address but was staying at the Columbia home at the time, was charged with second-degree murder, along with first- and second-degree child abuse. She was arrested in Pennsylvania and extradited to Maryland, where she is now being held at the Howard County Detention Center without bond.
Officers were called to the residence on November 1 for a report of a deceased child. Responding officers discovered the toddler’s body, which showed multiple bruises and scars. A full autopsy later ruled the death a homicide caused by dehydration and malnourishment.
According to police, a months-long investigation determined that Brown was directly responsible for the child’s death due to prolonged neglect and abuse.
She was located out of state and taken into custody without incident.
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Key Points
- Shalyne Brown, 27, has been charged with second-degree murder and child abuse in her 3-year-old child’s death
- The child was found dead in a Columbia home in November with visible injuries
- Autopsy results confirmed the child died from dehydration and malnourishment
Mother arrested after toddler’s death ruled homicide from starvation and abuse.