Ochra Manakaja, a Native American mother living in Arizona, has a lengthy criminal history and past involvement with the Department of Child Safety. Although life wasn’t easy, Manakaja’s friends and family didn’t think they’d see her arrested on a murder charge. When police responded to a Flagstaff La Quinta hotel on May 17, 2026, they found Manakaja’s 17-month-old son’s frozen body. He’d apparently been dead for weeks, and the mother opted not to call for help, fearing she’d get into trouble. One call could have saved both of their lives.
Manakaja called the authorities herself.
According to court documents obtained by KPHO, Manakaja called 911 just before 10 a.m. to report her toddler deceased. When police arrived, officers found the little boy inside a plastic box wrapped in a tote. His body temperature was less than 30 degrees. Manakaja reportedly told investigators she threw her young son into his crib out of frustration on April 29. In addition to the toddler, she stayed in the hotel room with her two sons, 7 and 9 years old. Manakaja’s toddler became ill after the incident.
The little boy reportedly became lethargic.
Manakaja told investigators the baby didn’t want to eat and generally began “not acting like himself.” He began vomiting, and on May 1, she reportedly noticed he’d developed a fever, KPHO reported. Still, Manakaja said she didn’t call for help or take him to the hospital because she feared she’d get into trouble. At one point, she tried to wake him with a cold rag on his forehead but that didn’t work. She told police she thinks he died from choking on his vomit.
Manakaja wrapped her son in plastic and put him in the freezer, where he stayed for two weeks. When her older boys asked, she said he was either at the hospital or at a doctor’s appointment, court documents noted, per KPHO. She showed remorse multiple times and admitted she “f—-d” up.
Manakaja dealt with DCS in 2024.
DCS confirmed to KPHO a December 2023 report involving Manakaja and her family. Because of her Native American heritage, her tribe claimed jurisdiction over the child in that case. It’s unclear what happened.
“The Department extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected by the tragic death of a one-year-old child. Our thoughts are with the child’s loved ones and community during this difficult time,” DCS shared in an emailed statement to the news outlet.
Manakaja also has a lengthy criminal history, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and DUI convictions, and a slew of other charges, per KPHO. She was on probation for the DUI case when her son died.
The story shocked some who knew her.
Amy Smallz shared screenshots on social media that appear to show a text conversation with Manakaja. She apparently tried to convince Smallz that she gave her son up for adoption. Smallz, who gave a baby up for adoption, consoled the mother. Now, she wants her held accountable.
“If this post brings any peace or evidence to anyone or authority wise. Here it is. I’m not a snitch but some have asked for this and here it is. It was sent on, May 1st 2026 @ 5:00 pm. She saw my happy mother’s Day wish for her, as a mother I’m upset!” Smallz wrote in her post.
Manakaja was booked into Coconino County Jail, and a judge set her bond at $1 million, KPHO reported. She faces charges of first-degree murder, child abuse, and concealment of a deceased body.
If she’d just called 911 that day, would her baby be alive and laughing with his brothers? We’ll never know.
If you suspect child abuse, you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 (1-800-4-A-Child) or go to Childhelp.org. The hotline is available 24/7.
