UPDATE: Baltimore County Police Department Chief Melissa Hyatt on Friday issued the following statement:

“This truly was a devastating incident – one that not only shocked our community to its core, but significantly affected our patrol officers, forensic technicians, and detectives. I am grateful that the harrowing details of this case were thoroughly and quickly uncovered, resulting in an expeditious closure to this tragedy. I want to commend all of our Baltimore County Police Department members who worked tirelessly throughout this investigation to bring justice to these innocent, young victims.”

Original story below…

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ESSEX, MD—Police have arrested and charged the aunt of two children found deceased during an Essex traffic stop earlier this week.

Officers with the Baltimore County Police Department have arrested and charged 33-year-old Nicole M. Johnson, of the 3500-block of Elmora Avenue (21213), in connection with the deaths of her niece and nephew, 7-year-old Joshlyn Johnson and 5-year-old Larry O’Neil. The children are siblings.

Johnson faces multiple charges including first-degree child abuse that resulted in the death of a child under the age of 13.

Officials say that, due to the nature of this case, it will take time to determine the exact circumstances that led to the children’s deaths.

“In partnership with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner as well as the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Baltimore County Police Department remains committed to bringing closure to this horrific case,” the department said on Friday.

Additional details about this case can be found here.

Photo via the Baltimore County Police Department