Woman accused of killing boy in Cairns

A woman has been charged with manslaughter, torture and indecent treatment of a child under 12 following the death of her toddler in Cairns last year.

Makavelii Leoni, 13 months, was found unresponsive at a house in suburban White Rock on September 24, 2018.

Despite attempts to resuscitate the toddler, he was declared dead on arrival at Cairns Base Hospital.

On Friday, a 21-year-old Manoora woman was arrested in Townsville over the boy's death.

She was charged with one count each of manslaughter, torture, and indecent treatment of a child under 12.

She was also charged with trafficking in dangerous drugs, possession of dangerous drugs and possession of a utensil for use with a dangerous drug.

The woman appeared in Townsville Magistrate Court on Friday via video link. The matter was adjourned to Cairns Magistrates Court on November 5.

Police said a number of people were assisting police with the investigation into the boy's death.