Virginia Mother Charged with Homicide After Malnourished Infant Found Dead with Peeling Skin

Community alert: A 23-year-old woman is charged with felony homicide and child neglect after her infant son was discovered severely malnourished in a Lynchburg apartment. Authorities appeal for early reporting of child neglect.

LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA — A 23-year-old mother is now facing a felony homicide charge in the death of her infant son, whose body was found malnourished and severely neglected inside a Lynchburg apartment. The disturbing case has rocked the community and raised urgent questions about child protection and intervention.

On March 26, 2025, around 4:30 p.m., emergency responders arrived at a home in the 600 block of Leesville Road following a report of an unresponsive infant. Paramedics rushed the baby boy to a nearby hospital, but despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

What first began as a child neglect case escalated this week when the Lynchburg Police Department confirmed that the child’s mother, Endia Walker, is now facing an additional charge of felony homicide in connection with her son’s death.

According to arrest warrants obtained by local station WSET, the infant was discovered in a heartbreaking and horrifying state. Authorities reported that the baby showed clear signs of “obvious malnutrition” and was covered in “several open sores,” with portions of his skin “peeling away.”

Investigators say Walker admitted to frequently leaving the infant and other children home alone for “extensive periods” without any adult supervision. These absences, according to police, likely contributed to the dire condition the baby was found in.

Adding to the concern, authorities noted that Walker had been arrested earlier in March for DUI. Her children were reportedly seen wandering around the apartment complex unsupervised at that time.

Lynchburg police are urging the public to report any suspected child neglect or abuse. Sgt. Barbara Gibson stressed the importance of early intervention in cases where a child’s well-being is jeopardized.

“A big thing we need to get out to the public is you need to reach out,” Gibson said. “There are plenty of resources out here. If your child is not acting as it should, then call 911. Let us come out, check, and get you in touch with resources.”

Endia Walker had already been arrested on felony child neglect charges in the week following her son’s death. Now, with the added felony homicide charge, she could face significant prison time if convicted. She remains in custody as the investigation and legal process continue.

Officials have not released the name or exact age of the infant out of respect for the family and ongoing legal proceedings. The case remains under active investigation by Lynchburg Police and Child Protective Services.

As the community mourns the loss of a life cut far too short, local authorities continue to emphasize the role everyone plays in protecting vulnerable children and ensuring no cry for help goes unheard.