Parents Charged in 9-Year-Old Girl's Death in Motel Room: Police

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — The parents of a 9-year-old have been charged in the girl's death after she was found unresponsive at Knights Inn on Security Boulevard last year, the Baltimore County Police Department reported.

Samara Zyaria Preston, 9, was declared deceased at the scene in the 6700 block of Security Boulevard, where police said officers noticed she had injuries to her face that were healing as well as medical challenges.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and in June ruled Preston's death a homicide from malnourishment/neglect, according to police.

A grand jury indicted the parents last week on charges of child abuse resulting in death and other offenses.

When Samara Preston was found in the hotel room, she was with her mother Jasmine Sierra Preston, 26, and her stepfather Edward Joseph James, 31, according to police.

Sierra Preston, of the 4800 block of Beauford Avenue in Baltimore, and James, of the 700 block of North Arlington Avenue in Baltimore, were indicted for child abuse resulting in death, neglect of a minor and related charges. Both Sierra Preston and James were being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center.

Booking photos courtesy of the Baltimore County Police Department.