Murder Notify & Arrest

Rochester, NY - On May 10, 2026, a 911 call came in for an unresponsive 2-year-old child at 1630 Dewey Ave. The child, Isaiah Jones (also known as Isaiah Velez), was found unresponsive by ambulance and fire personnel who were already in the building for an unrelated call. Isaiah was being cared for by his mother, 25-year-old India Duncan, and 30- year-old Joshua Velez.

Life-saving measures were immediately initiated, and Isaiah was transported to Rochester Regional Hospital. Hospital personnel observed multiple bruises, bite marks, and other concerning injuries on the child. Isaiah's condition was critical, and his prognosis was life threatening.

Members of the Major Crimes Section Special Victims Unit, along with members of the Monroe County District Attorney's Office and Monroe County Child Protective Services, were immediately called to investigate.

Despite extensive life-saving efforts and medical procedures, Isaiah died on May 18, 2026.

The exhaustive investigation into this incident continued for several months. The Monroe County Medical Examiner ultimately ruled the death of 2-year-old Isaiah Velez a homicide resulting from complications of non accidental blunt force injuries to the head. The Medical Examiner also documented additional non-accidental trauma to Isaiah's body.

Yesterday afternoon, members of the United States Marshals Violent Felony Fugitive Task Force located and took Joshua Velez and India Duncan into custody.

It is alleged in the criminal complaint that between May 8, 2026, and May 10, 2026, Joshua Velez and India Duncan recklessly engaged in conduct that resulted in the death of 2-year-old Isaiah Velez by subjecting him to physical abuse, including blunt force trauma to his head. This prolonged physical abuse caused injuries throughout his body, including bite marks, bruising, and bleeding to his brain. Additionally, the defendants delayed obtaining medical treatment for Isaiah, who ultimately died from his injuries.

India Duncan and Joshua Velez have both been charged with Murder in the Second Degree. We anticipate multiple additional charges will be filed against the defendants in connection with the abuse and ultimate death of Isaiah.

Both suspects were arraigned this morning in Rochester City Court and remanded without bail.