Prosecutors say a Pennsylvania father and his girlfriend are facing charges after the man’s 12-year-old daughter, who weighed only 50 pounds, died with at least six broken bones and other bruises. I made it.
Rendell Hoagland, 52, and his partner Cindy Warren, 45, were arrested last week on suspicion of torturing, starving and abusing preschooler Malinda Hoagland.
They are also accused of chaining her to furniture for several months at the family’s home in West Calne Township, about 45 miles west of Philadelphia.
The girl was rushed to the hospital after her father found her unresponsive around 7:30 p.m. on May 4. She died less than three hours later.
While she was at Paoli Hospital, staff found her emaciated and weighing only 50 pounds, according to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.
According to CDC data, the average weight for a 12-year-old girl is between 68 pounds and 136 pounds.
Malinda suffered bruises all over her body and at least six broken bones. Her organs were also failing, according to the district attorney’s office.
“Malinda was subjected to evil and pain that no child should ever endure. We would like to thank all the first responders and law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly on this case,” Chester County District Attorney’s Office Christopher L. de Varena-Sarobe said in a statement.
“Together we will get justice for Malinda.”
The other child in the home, Warren’s 9-year-old son, appeared to have received adequate medical treatment, the district attorney said.
Prosecutors said Malinda was expelled from school in late November and transitioned to online education at home.
Prosecutors said cellphone videos and messages recovered by authorities showed the girl’s ankles tied to furniture and verbally assaulted by both her father and her boyfriend.
They also allegedly forced her to do squats and run in place while wearing shackles, according to the district attorney’s office.
Prosecutors allege that when she did something they didn’t like, she was denied food.
De Varena-Sarobe said in a streamed press conference after being expelled from school. From local ABC6 She had “incredibly limited access to the outside world.”
When medical personnel contacted her, her father claimed that he had hit a tree while riding his bicycle, according to an affidavit obtained by local police. However, the district attorney found that claim questionable.
West Calne Police Chief Kurt Martinez said Malinda’s death was a “horrific case of child abuse”.
Rendell Hoagland and Cindy Warren were arrested on May 6 and charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, kidnapping and other related crimes.
As the investigation continues, the pair could face more severe charges, including murder.
Bail was set at $1 million for both men.
