HONOLULU (KHON2) — Two women from Oahu have been indicted for the death of a three-year-old girl and are facing multiple charges, including second-degree murder and kidnapping.

Janae Perez, 26, and Ashleigh Utley, 34, are accused of starving and dehydrating three-year-old Sanai Perez-Riviera, leading to her tragic death.

The two women are also facing charges for abusing other children in the household through similar neglect.

Both Perez and Utley are being held without bail at the Oahu Community Correctional Center.

Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm called the case “heartbreaking” and said the decision to hold the women without bail highlights the seriousness of the crimes.

He also expressed concerns over existing laws that don’t do enough to protect children from severe abuse, like starvation.

Alm had introduced bills this year to address these gaps, but they didn’t fully pass.

If convicted, Perez and Utley could face life in prison for the murder charge, along with additional time for kidnapping and assault.

Both are also facing extended sentences due to prior offenses.