Aunt, mother charged with the murder of 6-year-old Duke Flores

APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — The Aunt of missing 6-year-old Duke Flores, Jennifer Rachel Contreras, is facing charges of Murder, in addition to Duke’s mother, Jakee Contreras, as previously reported.

On Thursday, April 25th, at approximately 10:06 pm, deputies from the Apple Valley Police Department responded to a residence in the 22000 block of Cherokee Avenue following the request for a welfare check from a family member on the victim, Duke Flores, according to a news release.

Upon arrival, deputies were told by the suspect, Jakee Contreras that Duke had not been seen for over a week. Deputies immediately began a search of the area.

Jakee Contreras was arrested, transported and booked into the High Desert Detention Center for Child Neglect for her delay in reporting him missing. Jakee Contreras was later transferred to the West Valley Detention Center.

On Friday, April 26th, detectives from the Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail responded to the scene to conduct the investigation. The search continued for Duke and K9 units were requested and responded to the location.

Detectives gathered evidence and conducted multiple interviews throughout the day with family members.

On Saturday, April 27th, Homicide Detectives interviewed Jakee Contreras and at the conclusion of her interview she was booked for PC 187 Murder and is being held without bail.

On Saturday, April 27th, detectives arrested Jennifer Contreras (Duke’s aunt), transported and booked her into the High Desert Detention Center for PC 187 Murder where she is being held without bail. 

The investigation is ongoing and detectives are continuing the search for Duke Flores. 

Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact the Specialized Investigations Division, Detective Narcie Sousa at (909) 387-3589 or Sheriff’s dispatch at (909) 387-8313. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at (800)78-CRIME or www.wetip.com.