Toddler Allegedly Abused, Killed by Long-Time Family Friend During Sleepover

A woman has been charged with murder due to the death of a toddler girl last November.

After spending four days on life support, 15-month-old Meka Ducheneaux was pronounced dead on Nov. 24.

The toddler became unresponsive on Nov. 20 when she was left in the care of a long-time family friend, according to a People report.

The police identified the alleged suspect as 37-year-old Brandi Adeleke of North Dakota.

Cass County Jail records stated that Adeleke has been charged with murder and one count of felony child abuse.

Victim's Family Speaking Out

Meka's aunt Amanda Carillo was the girl's primary caregiver. Carillo alleged that while Meka was in the family friend's care, she has been horribly abused, burned with chemicals, given alcohol, battered, and raped.

Adeleke often watched Carillo's children including Meka. The suspect had invited Meka over for a Halloween sleepover at her Fargo apartment, according to a Valley News Live report.

"What did my niece do to you, but love you? She loved you so much. What did she do to you to make you so mad? And why didn't you bring her home? When did you stop loving her?" Carillo was quoted on a report.

Carillo said that her niece was a good baby and loved hugs and kisses.

Carillo said that at the end of the weekend when Meka was expected to be back home, Adeleke said that her home was infected with COVID-19 and that Meka would have to quarantine with her.

However, Carillo and Fargo Police later learned that this was a lie.

Carillo said that when Adeleke came over on Nov. 20, she knew that something was wrong.

Adeleke was calm when she told Carillo that Meka was in the hospital, according to Carillo.

With this, Carillo said that she assumed that it was due to COVID-19.

Carillo said that when she entered the hospital, she saw the rulers that are used to measure bruises.

She then asked Adeleke what she did to Meka, to which Adeleke replied, "She's just sick, Amanda. She's fine. She's going to be fine!"

Autopsy

Based on the autopsy conducted by Fargo Police, Meka had numerous blunt force injuries.

Court documents also added that Adeleke gave Meka a bath, but left the child unattended and went underwater for an unknown but brief amount of time.

Carillo asked how high did Adeleke have the bathwater, adding that her niece already knew how to sit down.

Adeleke also admitted to pinching and slapping Meka's face when she was unresponsive and tried to wake her up, according to court documents.

Adeleke was arrested and charged with murder and child abuse charges. She remains to be in prison with a $1 million bail amount, according to a Crime Online report.

Carillo said that she is glad Adeleke is not behind bars, adding that she hopes she never gets to see the light of day again.

The Carillos said that they are planning to hold a public memorial for the toddler within the next few weeks.