A Durham mother is behind bars after court records say she strangled her 5-year-old son, who has a disability, during an incident earlier this year.
Records identify the suspect as 36-year-old Jasmine Nicole Parker and allege the assault happened on Jan. 14. An arrest order followed in April, and Durham police took Parker into custody on May 5. A judge set her bond at $50,000 secured. As of May 5, court papers indicate an initial hearing had not yet been scheduled.
What the court records allege
According to court documents, Parker is accused of grabbing her son by the throat and pushing him against a wall, leaving the 5-year-old with serious injuries. Prosecutors secured an indictment on April 6 on three felony charges: child abuse with serious physical injury, assault by strangulation, and aggravated assault on a person with a disability.
The records show an arrest order was issued on April 7, and Parker was ultimately taken into custody on May 5. The paperwork lists a $50,000 secured bond and notes that no initial court date had been set at that time, as reported by CBS17.
Durham's recent child-welfare cases
Parker’s arrest lands in the middle of a tense year for child-welfare cases in Durham, with several high-profile incidents raising questions about how local systems are functioning.
In a separate February case, a Durham mother was charged in the death of one child and the attempted killing of another. A judge later found that defendant incapable of proceeding, according to The News & Observer.
What the charges mean
Under North Carolina law, assault by strangulation is treated as a serious felony offense. State legislation passed in 2025 increased penalties for strangulation and related conduct, according to the North Carolina General Assembly. Those changes can make felony sentencing more likely when a victim suffers serious injury.
At this stage, Parker is facing allegations, not a conviction. She is presumed innocent under the law and is entitled to legal representation and full due process. If the case moves forward, it will proceed through Durham County courts for initial appearances, any probable-cause reviews, and required preliminary or grand jury actions under North Carolina procedure.
Reporting and resources
Locally, the Durham County Department of Social Services is responsible for child-protective investigations. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services provides guidance on recognizing and reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.
Anyone who believes a child is in immediate danger should contact local law enforcement or call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD.
