By Keenan Willard, reporter for WRAL East North Carolina
Rocky Mount, North Carolina – A mother and her boyfriend, both accused of manslaughter in the deaths of her two children, were released on bail Monday after a brief appearance in court.
A prosecutor asked the judge to review the $ 100,000 unsecured bonds issued to 21-year-old Jaria Noel and 21-year-old Amen Butler, calling the amount “unusually low” based on the gravity of their charges.
Family members of 1-year-old Amaria Noel joined the call for a higher relationship after learning that the child and her 3-month-old brother had burns and bruises when they were found dead in a car on Drew Street on Saturday morning.
“When we heard about it, I mean, it was really painful. We just want to know why it happened, “said Philip Bobbitt, Amaria’s uncle.
He said he learned about the children’s deaths on social media.
Her aunt, Shonquella Bobbitt, said: “There are drug dealers here who get higher bonds than that and can’t even get away with it.”
Noel and Butler were charged with manslaughter for negligence and child abuse. The deaths of Amaria and Camrin Noel are considered murders, but authorities have not said a specific cause of death.
Noel and Butler could face further charges after the autopsy is completed by the North Carolina Judicial Service.
Both asked the court to appoint a lawyer.
Neighbors had erected a small monument to the children Sunday night. Betty Dupree added a pink balloon and a blue balloon.
“My heart was for these little children,” she said. “They were just babies … It doesn’t have to be that way. Ask anyone, it’s not necessary.
“We will never know what will happen to this child,” Philip Bobbitt told WRAL News.
“Don’t abuse a child and don’t hurt him if you don’t want to,” he said. “Just give them to someone who wants them. There are a lot of people here who can’t have children, who want children who could raise them.”
Rocky Mount Police are asking anyone with information related to the incident to call 252-972-1411 or the Twin County Crime Stoppers at 252-977-1111. Police said Text-ATip (Text RMPOL) was also available by sending a message to CRIMES (274637) or sending a message directly through the MyRMT mobile app.
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