Durham Police: Other potential suspect in beating death of child
DURHAM (WTVD) -- The Durham mother accused of fatally beating her daughter wiped away tears as she faced a judge Monday morning.
Police have said 27-year-old Jessica Warren of Durham admitted to beating her daughter 4-year-old Armani Hodges to death last week, leaving her with severe injuries.
It's a claim Warren's sister and aunt deny, telling ABC11 Durham police rushed to charge the young mother.
"I just want everyone to know that Jessica is innocent," said Jennifer Warren, Jessica Warren's sister.
"We have to be patient, trusting and have faith that the truth will come out," added La'Tanya Geddie, Warren's aunt. "We have two losses right now. The very serious one is the loss of a very wonderful little girl."
Sources close to the investigation have said Warren gave authorities conflicting stories.
On Thursday - the night police responded to a 911 call for help at an apartment at 700 Falls Pointe Drive in Durham - Warren's family was visibly upset while an unidentified man nervously paced near a patrol car. ABC11 has learned both Warren and the man were questioned by police.
Durham police have said they're still investigating and another arrest is possible.
While police said Social Services was in contact with Warren about her children, relatives say Armani Hodge's was a beloved child.
The girl was preparing to attend Pre-K this week before her tragic death.
Her funeral is set for Wednesday, according to her father's family, and they have expressed outrage over her beating death.
"We, the family of Armani Hodges, would like to thank everyone for their prayers and continue support in this time of sorrow," they wrote in a written statement to ABC11. "To know Armani was to love her and everyone that has been blessed to have an encounter her would say the same. We are forever grateful for the four years she spent with us. Her memory will live on through us all."
Warren remains in the Durham County jail without bond, while her surviving son is in the care of relatives.
Meanwhile, the paternal family of Armani Hodges is asking for the public's support as they prepare for her funeral on Wednesday. Click here to donate.
