by Monroe, Michigan — A 36-year-old mother has been charged in connection with the death of her 19-month-old son after investigators allege the child was exposed to dangerously high heat levels inside their Monroe home.
According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a 911 call around 9:48 a.m. at a residence in the 1000 block of East Sixth Street regarding a report of an unresponsive child. When first responders arrived, they found the toddler, identified as Enzo James Peters, inside his crib. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities later arrested Coralan Kaye-Elizabeth Peters and charged her with one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of second-degree child abuse, according to court records.
Allegations of unsafe heat exposure
Prosecutors allege the child was subjected to “an unsafe level of heat” inside the home, which they believe led to his death.
Investigators reported that upon entering the residence, they noticed the interior temperature was unusually warm, with the thermostat allegedly set to 90 degrees. The bedroom where the child was found was described as significantly hotter than other areas of the home due to multiple heating vents blowing warm air directly into the room.
In addition to the elevated thermostat setting, authorities allege a portable space heater was positioned on high and pointed directly at the toddler’s crib.
Court documents state investigators conducted a test using a similar model heater set to its highest level and directed toward a crib. During testing, temperatures reportedly reached the mid-90s inside the crib area.
Timeline of events
Authorities outlined a rough timeline of events leading up to the child’s death.
The toddler was reportedly put to bed at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 22, 2025. A check around 2 a.m. indicated he briefly woke before returning to sleep. He was later found unresponsive around 9:45 a.m.
Emergency crews were dispatched shortly afterward, but the child could not be revived.
Autopsy findings
An autopsy conducted by the Lucas County Coroner’s Office reportedly identified internal and external signs consistent with a heat-related injury and dehydration. Officials noted there was no evidence of blunt force trauma.
A final determination regarding the official cause and manner of death remains pending as laboratory testing is completed.
Conditions inside the home
Investigators also reported that the residence was in poor condition at the time of their response. Authorities allegedly observed garbage, rotting food and dirty diapers throughout the home.
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These observations were included as part of the broader investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Bond set at $750,000
Peters was taken into custody on Feb. 2 and appeared before Monroe County District Judge Christian J. Horkey on Feb. 4 for arraignment.
The judge set her bond at $750,000. Court records show she is scheduled to appear again on Feb. 19 for a probable cause conference.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities have not released additional details beyond what is outlined in court filings. The case remains under investigation as officials await final autopsy results and continue reviewing evidence.
As with all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
This developing case has drawn attention within the Monroe community as residents await further updates from law enforcement and the court system.
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