A Hawaii mother and her girlfriend have been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a three-year-old girl, whom they allegedly abused and starved. Authorities say the couple also attempted to blame the child’s death on her five-year-old brother.
On February 27, 2025, Honolulu residents Janae Perez, 25, and her partner, Ashleigh Utley, 33, were taken into custody and charged with multiple offenses, including second-degree murder, kidnapping, and child endangerment. These charges stem from the June 2024 death of Perez’s daughter, Sarai Perez. According to court records, the couple is also accused of mistreating Perez’s three other children.
Investigators determined that Perez and Utley severely restricted Sarai and her siblings’ access to food and water. Honolulu Police Department Lt. Deena Thoemmes revealed in a press conference that the children were only allowed to drink eight ounces of water daily and were often denied food.
On February 24, 2025, a forensic pathologist confirmed that Sarai died from dehydration and starvation. Police reports indicate that Perez and Utley also subjected the children to physical abuse, hitting them with their hands, sticks, and paddles, including blows to their faces and heads.
The incident came to light on June 13, 2024, when Honolulu police officers responded to a call about an unresponsive three-year-old girl. Upon arrival, officers found Sarai in cardiac arrest, ashen in color, and without a pulse. She was rushed to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Perez initially told police that she had been making dinner when she saw her five-year-old son hitting and kicking Sarai while she lay on the floor. Later, she found the girl unresponsive and called 911. However, police investigations confirmed that Sarai’s brother had not harmed her. Officers at the hospital observed dark bruising on Sarai’s legs, abdomen, right cheek, and buttocks, suggesting prolonged abuse.
Sarai’s three siblings, ages six, five, and two, were also taken to the hospital for treatment and found to be suffering from severe dehydration. They have since been placed in the custody of Child Welfare Services.
Reports indicate that in the days leading up to her death, Sarai had been ill with a cold and refused to eat. Utley allegedly dismissed the child’s condition, calling her a “whiner.” She also denied accusations of neglect, stating that their home was well-stocked with food. However, the complaint alleges that the couple used food, including fish and sauerkraut, as a form of punishment.
Perez’s mother had previously reported concerns to Child Welfare Services, believing the children were being starved. However, authorities took action only after Sarai’s tragic death.
