A major new development has emerged in the Washington, D.C. case involving 13-month-old Mazouri Jones, whose twin brother survived after both children were allegedly left alone inside an apartment for several days. On September 15, a judge ordered their mother, Valencia Duke, 25, released from jail to a halfway house while the felony murder case continues.

Prosecutors allege Duke left the twins alone between January 14 and January 18, 2026. When police entered the Southern Avenue apartment, Mazouri was found dead, while her twin brother was severely dehydrated and malnourished and had to remain hospitalized for several days. The medical examiner later determined that Mazouri died from dehydration and malnourishment due to neglect, and her death was classified as a homicide.

At a September 3 preliminary hearing, the court heard that Duke herself made the 911 call reporting the emergency. Judge Jason Park ultimately found probable cause for the charges but concluded that the law favored pretrial release if strict conditions were imposed.

The most contentious issue became whether Duke should be permitted around children. Prosecutors argued that she should stay away from anyone younger than 16. Her defense objected, arguing that the allegations involved neglect rather than evidence that she generally posed a danger to other children. The judge ultimately imposed a narrower order: Duke must stay away from children under 10 years old.

The situation is particularly unusual because Duke is reportedly six months pregnant. The court ordered that the Child and Family Services Agency be notified when she gives birth, and the agency will determine what contact she may have with the newborn.

The order does not completely prohibit Duke from seeing her other children. According to the court report, she may have contact with them only under supervision approved by child-welfare authorities. She will remain in a halfway house rather than returning directly to unrestricted community living.

Earlier charging documents alleged that over approximately 92 hours, Duke was inside the apartment with the twins for only about two hours. Investigators also described extremely poor conditions inside the residence. Those details remain allegations that prosecutors will have to prove in court.

Duke faces first-degree felony murder and two counts of first-degree cruelty to children. She has not been convicted, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The parties are currently scheduled to return to court on December 11.