Mother Charged With Murder In 4-Year-Old Son’s Death: Tampa Police

TAMPA, FL — A Tampa mother, 36-year-old Arayiah Hudson, was charged with murder in the death of her four-year-old son, Joseph Hudson, authorities said.

Officers responded to a home in the 8400 block of N. 15th Street just before 5 a.m. on June 29 after receiving a 911 call from Arayiah, who said her son was unresponsive, according to a Tampa Police Department news release.

The officers performed CPR on the boy, who was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Arayiah initially told police that Joseph began coughing and having difficulty breathing after eating potato chips and drinking water.

During their investigation, detectives found evidence of a potential history of abuse by the mother, police said.

A medical examination of Joseph's body found numerous injuries, including bruises, abrasions and internal bleeding.

The autopsy found the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head and torso, police said.

Further investigation revealed that his mother tried to conceal the abuse by claiming to discipline Joseph and using tinted makeup to cover bruises around his eyes.

Arayiah was arrested Monday at her home just before 7:30 p.m. She was charged with first-degree murder while engaged in aggravated child abuse, police said.

She was booked into Orient Road Jail. Joseph’s siblings were united with their biological fathers, who didn’t live at the home.

"This is a heinous crime. Every child deserves to feel safe in their own home and especially with their own mother,” Chief Lee Bercaw said. “The Tampa Police Department is committed to bringing justice for Joseph and ensuring the safety of all children in our community."