Seattle mother accused of fatal beating of 14-year-old son over chores

A 14-year-old boy from Seattle has died after allegedly enduring a prolonged beating from his mother, Denaya Young. The shocking incident has left the local community reeling, with authorities detailing the harrowing circumstances surrounding his death.

Young, 29, is accused of assaulting her son for nearly an hour on January 30 after discovering he had not completed his chores.

Teen beaten unconscious after failing to do household tasks

According to reports, the fatal beating began after Young confronted her son about not cleaning the kitchen. The argument escalated, as he had also resisted doing chores the previous night.

Young allegedly shoved the boy against a wall, causing him to hit his head and collapse. While he lay on the floor, she is said to have continued striking him with an extension cord.

The child’s stepfather and three younger half-siblings were reportedly at home during the assault, with authorities suggesting they may have witnessed the attack.

Mother claims she ‘went too far’

Young later called 911 to report the incident, admitting to authorities that she had continued hitting her son even after he said he was dizzy and unable to stand.

“I just kept swinging the cord. I should have listened, but I kept saying, ‘You’re gonna stand up and do your chores,’ and he was like, ‘Mom, I’m dizzy, I can’t do it,’ and I thought he was faking,” Young reportedly told police.

Paramedics found the boy unresponsive, and he was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Medical examiner: Over 1,100 injuries recorded

A medical examiner’s report detailed the extent of the assault, recording 1,172 separate injuries across the child’s body. The injuries spanned his head, neck, torso, arms, and legs. Experts determined that he died from blunt force trauma.

Young was arrested and remains in custody at King County Jail.

Court denies bail amid severity of case

During her court appearance, Young’s attorney, Zelena Jones, argued for her release, citing the trauma she experienced from losing her son.

“This also involves a mother losing her son and the significant trauma she is experiencing from that,” Jones said.

However, Judge Jill Klinge sided with prosecutors, who requested bail be set at $3 million (over R55 million). Young remains in custody as legal proceedings continue.

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