LINDEN — A Linden woman was arrested Tuesday afternoon and charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 2-year-old boy who was in her care, authorities said.

Diana Matthews, 31, also was charged with 2nd-degree endangering the welfare of a child, according to the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.

Union County Superior Court Judge Joseph P. Perfilio set bail at $600,000.

At about 12:28 a.m. on Feb. 25, Linden police responded to a report of a child in distress at an East 13th Street home, according to a press release issued Tuesday afternoon.

Upon arrival, officers found 2-year-old Xavier Gentleman unresponsive. He was transported to Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth, where he was later pronounced dead, the press release said.

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