Toledo parents charged with murder in death of 3-month-old daughter

Zariah Hutton died five days after being hospitalized with a fractured skull and other injuries.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:55pm

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Alejando Hutton Jr., 27, and Danyelle Teague, 24, both from Toledo, Ohio, have been charged with murder and other charges in the death of their 3-month-old daughter, Zariah Hutton. Zariah died on January 12 after being taken to the hospital on January 7 with a fractured skull and other injuries in various stages of healing.

Why it matters

The tragic death of a young child is always deeply disturbing, and this case raises serious questions about the safety and well-being of children in the care of their parents. It also highlights the importance of early intervention and support for families to prevent such tragedies.

The details

Police were called to a family shelter on January 7 where they found Zariah Hutton with numerous injuries, including a fractured skull and other fractures in various stages of healing. The parents, Alejando Hutton Jr. and Danyelle Teague, were initially charged with child endangerment, and have now been indicted on murder charges along with other counts.

  • On January 7, police were dispatched to a family shelter on Ashland Avenue around 5:30 p.m. for an injured infant.
  • Zariah Hutton died on January 12 from the injury to her skull.

The players

Alejando Hutton Jr.

A 27-year-old Toledo resident who has been charged with murder and other counts in the death of his 3-month-old daughter, Zariah Hutton.

Danyelle Teague

A 24-year-old Toledo resident who has been charged with murder and other counts in the death of her 3-month-old daughter, Zariah Hutton.

Zariah Hutton

A 3-month-old girl who died on January 12 from a fractured skull and other injuries.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on the parents' bail status at a future hearing.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for greater support and intervention to protect vulnerable children and prevent such devastating outcomes. It raises difficult questions about the responsibilities of parents and the role of social services in safeguarding young lives.