A Virginia mother, aged 21, found herself in police custody this Thursday, facing serious allegations related to the tragic deaths of her twin sons. The young mother is accused of drowning her 17-month-old boys in a bathtub, an incident that occurred back in April.
Amaya Dixon has been charged with two counts of felony murder and two counts of child neglect, as reported by WRIC, a local news outlet. This development comes months after the harrowing event that shook the local community.
According to the Richmond Police Department, officers were dispatched to a south-side apartment on the evening of April 17, around 8:40 p.m., following reports of two injured children. Upon their arrival, the officers discovered the twin boys suffering from what appeared to be drowning-related injuries, as noted by investigators.
The toddlers were swiftly transported to a nearby hospital to receive urgent medical care. Sadly, one of the boys succumbed to his injuries that very night, while his brother fought for survival for a few more days before passing away.
The Richmond Police Department continues to treat this case as a suspected double homicide. The incident has left a haunting mark on the community, with many seeking answers and justice for the innocent lives lost. (Photo credit: Jay Paul/Getty Images)
The toddlers were taken to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment, according to WRIC. One boy was pronounced dead that same night, while his brother died days later.
Court documents obtained by the outlet show Dixon was facing criminal charges in neighboring Chesterfield County when her sons were killed.
FILE – The twin boys were found by the Richmond Police Department after a 911 call reported injuries. (Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
The eight unrelated charges, stemming from December 2025, include two counts of grand larceny, credit card fraud, possession of stolen property with the intent to sell, and the financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.
It is unclear what led to the drowning, or whether anyone else was in the home during the incident.
FILE- It is unclear what led to the incident, officials said. (Hilary Powell/AP)
The Richmond Police Department did not immediately respond to additional inquiries from Fox News Digital.
Police are urging anyone with information relevant to the case to contact Major Crimes Detective J. Pittman at 804-646-3869 or Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000.
