WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — A mother is now facing a murder charge in connection with the 2024 death of her four-month-old infant in Mount Olive.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office announced that Britney E. Bello has been charged with murder following a continued investigation into the death of De’Angelo Stukes. Bello is being held without bond.
The latest charge comes after Demarjai Za’Quan Stukes, 21, of Mount Olive, was previously charged with murder in connection with the infant’s death.
The investigation began on April 2, 2024, when emergency personnel responded to an unresponsive four-month-old infant at the Medic 9 Station in Mount Olive.
First responders from Wayne County EMS, Duplin County EMS, the Mount Olive Police Department, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mount Olive Fire Department performed lifesaving measures at the scene.
The infant was transported to UNC Health Wayne before being transferred to ECU Health in Greenville, where the child later died.
Following an autopsy, detectives with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office conducted interviews with individuals connected to the April 2 incident and an earlier medical emergency involving the child on March 21, 2024.
Investigators continued working with the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office and reviewing information obtained from the medical examiner’s office.
The investigation previously resulted in an open count of murder being filed against Demarjai Za’Quan Stukes, who was placed in the Wayne County Detention Center without bond.
With the latest announcement, Bello becomes the second person charged with murder in connection with the infant’s death.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding Bello’s alleged involvement or the circumstances that led to the latest charge.
Both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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