Morrisville mom charged with murder after son's decomposing body found inside house: Police

MORRISVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- A mother in Morrisville is facing a murder charge in the death of her 9-year-old son.

According to the arrest warrant, Priyanka Tiwari, 33, starved her son.

Morrisville police officers arrived at her home on Craigmeade Drive on Wednesday. They said the child had been dead for a while by the time officers arrived.

Tiwari was arrested and charged with negligent child abuse that inflicted serious bodily injury as well as murder.

It is not known how long the abuse took place in the home. Police told ABC11 that the investigation uncovered extreme neglect.

Tiwari made her first appearance today. She is charged with first-degree murder, and if convicted on that charge, she could face the death penalty or life without parole. She is also charged with child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury, which carries up to 231 months.

She requested a capital defender to represent her.

Tiwari is being held without bond. Her next court date is set for Jan. 11

Parents who live in the area told ABC11 they were shocked by the news. They said they hardly ever saw anyone at the home in question, and they're not sure how many people lived there.

Neighbors described the area as a kid-friendly neighborhood where families are used to seeing each other but not much is known about the boy and his mother.

"We never saw him going to school," one neighbor said.

"It's so sad for the kid to die when...their own parents are responsible for killing your kid, murdering your kid," another neighbor said. "So I'm definitely sad and shocked with that."

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