Indianapolis Parents Charged in Child’s Death

A couple from Indianapolis has been charged with felony neglect for their alleged roles in the death of their 1-year-old son, according to an announcement Tuesday by Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears. The child, identified as Angel Guadalupe Rosales Alvarado, died less than 20 minutes after arriving at Eskenazi Hospital on November 17.

Child Found Malnourished Before Death

According to a probable cause affidavit, hospital staff observed that the child had bruises, cuts, and signs of severe malnourishment. A deputy coroner reported that the child weighed less than 11 pounds. His parents, Wendy Alvarado, 31, and Dunio Duarte-Rosales, 35, brought him to the hospital before the child was pronounced dead.

Investigators reported that hospital staff overheard the couple arguing, and Duarte-Rosales stated, “It’s all your fault,” before leaving the waiting area. Detectives later interviewed Alvarado and learned that Duarte-Rosales had returned home to check on their other children.

Police Investigation at Family Residence

Detectives determined that the family rented a room in the 3300 block of West Michigan Street. The landlord told investigators he frequently saw the couple’s other four children but had not seen the youngest child. Duarte-Rosales had previously told the landlord that the child did not go outside due to a condition from birth.

Police executed a search warrant at the residence and found no one inside. Detectives described the room as filthy, with trash and cockroaches present.

Custody and Arrests Following Child’s Death

Just after 3 p.m. on November 17, officers located Duarte-Rosales’ vehicle and took him into custody. Two toddlers in the vehicle were turned over to the Department of Child Services. The couple’s two older children were located at school and taken for interviews.

During questioning, Duarte-Rosales said he found Angel cold to the touch and not breathing normally shortly before leaving for the hospital. He also said the child had been smiling minutes earlier. He told detectives that Angel had been born a month premature and struggled with eating. He said one can of formula typically lasted one to two months.

Duarte-Rosales admitted to smoking methamphetamine before taking Angel to the emergency room. He offered no explanation for the bruising found on the child’s body.

Both parents were arrested on charges of neglect of a dependent resulting in death. They made their first court appearances Tuesday. Jail records indicate both individuals are on federal immigration holds.