Trial to Begin for Couple in Toddler Death Case
A court has scheduled the trial for October 4, 2027, in the death of a 2-year-old in Rochester.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Child Care
The murder trial for India Duncan and Joshua Velez is set to begin on October 4, 2027. The defendants face charges related to the 2026 death of 2-year-old Isaiah Jones.
Why it matters
The case follows the Monroe County Medical Examiner ruling the death of the toddler a homicide caused by non-accidental injuries. Residents in the area have monitored the proceedings since the initial discovery of the victim.
The victim was a 2-year-old child whose death was determined to be a homicide from non-accidental injuries. The scheduled trial date for the two defendants is October 4, 2027.
The players
India Duncan
She is one of the two defendants pleading not guilty to murder, manslaughter, and child injury charges.
Joshua Velez
He is a defendant in the case who has entered a plea of not guilty to the filed charges.
Isaiah Jones
The 2-year-old victim died following an incident at a housing complex on Dewey Avenue.
Monroe County Medical Examiner
The office conducted the investigation into the child's cause of death and ruled it a homicide.
The details
Police found 2-year-old Isaiah Jones unresponsive at a housing complex on Dewey Avenue on May 10, 2026, before he died at a hospital. India Duncan and Joshua Velez have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, manslaughter, and acting in a manner to injure a child.
Timeline
May 10, 2026: Police found the victim injured and unresponsive.
August 2026: The two suspects were arrested and charged.
October 4, 2027: Trial for the two defendants begins.
Culture Shift
The legal proceedings follow the precedent set by the prosecution of child endangerment and homicide cases in Monroe County. This trial marks the next step in the regional judicial process for addressing severe cases involving the safety of minors.
Residents in the Dewey Avenue neighborhood and across Rochester have been directly impacted by the investigation and the subsequent court schedule. The upcoming trial provides a sense of public resolution regarding the safety concerns raised by the initial 2026 incident.
The takeaway
Understanding the timeline of local judicial proceedings is essential for tracking how the community addresses serious criminal cases. Residents are encouraged to monitor official court updates for any changes to the scheduled trial date.
What happens next
The trial for the two defendants is set to commence on October 4, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on local family safety initiatives, visit Child Care.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WHEC.
