The father of a 4-year-old Harlem boy who died from freezing and malnutrition was indicted on Tuesday, a day after police announced the boy's mother was also arrested in the disturbing incident.
Laron Modlin, 25, is charged with manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the death of his son, Jameik Modlin, police said.
The boy's mother, Nitavia Ragsdale, also called for help Sunday night after claiming she found her son unresponsive in an apartment off Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Drive. He was charged with similar charges by authorities on Monday, police and law enforcement officials said. post.
The boy was taken to Harlem Hospital, where medical staff determined he was malnourished and suffering from hypothermia, officials previously said.
Investigators initially thought the boy had burn marks, but it turned out he had eczema. ABC7 reported.
He was pronounced dead early Monday morning.
Police said Jamek's three other siblings were examined at a hospital and placed in the custody of Children Services.
Neighbors in the family's apartment building were sickened by Jarmeik's death.
“It's a tragedy,” said one resident, Shannon, who gave only her first name. “That child missed out on so much life because of neglect.”
“I don't know her, but people are talking,” she also said of her mother. “Nobody ever saw her with those kids. They didn't even know she had kids. It's just a shame.”
A memorial to Germeik was set up outside the building, complete with a large teddy bear, other stuffed animals and candles.
Another resident, 46, described the situation as “unfathomable”.
“We saw each other from time to time, but we never talked,” the woman said of Ragsdale before her father was also charged. “She didn't say good morning or good night like a normal neighbor.”
