FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Authorities investigating the death this summer of an Arizona toddler whose body was found in a wash have arrested his custodial mother on suspicion of child abuse.
But it was unclear Monday if the charges involved the boy who died or some other child.
Yavapai County sheriff's officials arrested 36-year-old Christina Priem in Flagstaff on Monday on felony counts of involving a minor in a drug offense.
Sheriff's spokesman Dwight D'Evelyn couldn't say which child or children the three counts refer to, or when and where the alleged offenses occurred.
The arrest stems from an investigation into the disappearance and death of 2-year-old Sylar Newton. The boy was camping with Priem and her family near Rimrock in July when they reported him missing. A distant relative found his remains weeks later.
Witnesses at the campground told detectives the toddler appeared to be under the influence of drugs or medication.
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