A fugitive mother on the run accused of starving her 13-year-old special needs son to death was found dead in Texas.
Serena Starkey, 53, of Birmingham, Alabama, died Friday – nearly three weeks after she was named the primary suspect in the death of her son, Aston Starkey, according to police.
Aston, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome, was found dead at a Birmingham Extended Stay America on March 2. His death was considered suspicious.
Earlier this month, a medical examiner determined Aston died as a result of malnutrition and dehydration complicated by neglect, and his death was ruled a homicide, said police.
An arrest warrant for murder was issued on Starkey June 7, and police have been searching for the runaway mom since.
On Monday, detectives were notified of Starkey's death, which lacked obvious evidence of foul play, according to police. An autopsy is pending to determine a cause of death.
Aston and his mother moved frequently and were living in Birmingham for about a year leading up to his murder, AL.com reported, citing police. He was not enrolled in school and was seldom taken to the doctor.
