Texas couple arrested after 4-year-old with signs of long-term abuse dies at motel

ALVIN, Texas (TCD) -- Police have arrested the parents of a 4-year-old child who died in April and appeared to have "signs of long-term abuse."

On April 29, the Alvin Police Department responded to a local emergency room in reference to an unresponsive young girl who had been brought in by her mother, 26-year-old De'Jane Belle. The little girl was already deceased by the time officers arrived. Police said the victim's father, 27-year-old Drayon Donahue, initially said their daughter fell while playing with her siblings in the courtyard of the motel where they lived.

Further investigation revealed the parents allegedly "took measures to alter evidence at the scene." Police said they observed signs of long-term abuse. They called the investigation "lengthy and complex as detectives have pieced together the facts."

The Medical Examiner ruled the victim's death a homicide.

Officials removed the couple's three other children during the investigation.

A jury indicted the parents on two counts of tampering with evidence, and their bonds were set at $50,000 for each count. They were arrested from their home on Thursday, Nov. 9.

At the time of their arrest, Children's Protective Services removed the couple's newborn child.

Additional felony charges against the parents are pending.

MORE:

• Death Investigation - Alvin Police Department