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Hoke Teen Surrenders To Authorities In Death Of Infant Son

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RAEFORD, N.C. — A Hoke County teenager turned herself in Friday to face charges she killed her infant son.

Investigators said 17-year old LaToya McLean was supposed to turn herself in on Thursday for the death of 6-week-old Nasir Jones, but she did not show up.

Around 2 a.m. Friday, McLean came to the Sheriff's office. But she saw no one in the front office, so she went around to ring a doorbell on the side door and told someone there that she was ready to surrender to authorities.

"It's just an unusual ending as far as the arrest of Ms. McLean -- an unusual ending to I'd say a very tough week," said Chief Deputy Troy McDuffie.

Later on Friday, McLean made her first court appearance. She asked for a court-appointed attorney.

Earlier in the week, McLean and the boy's father took Jones to the Hoke County Health Department after Jones was reportedly crying and vomiting. Doctors later sent Jones to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, where he died Monday afternoon.

Autopsy results confirmed that Jones died from the abuse he received.

Investigators will not describe Jones' injuries, but they are charging McLean with first-degree murder and felony child abuse.

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