Two parents in Pennsylvania have been arrested on suspicion of starving their 1-year-old twins to death and physically abusing them to the point of death, police said.
Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer announced Tuesday that 23-year-old Armani Coleman and 18-year-old Zamareon Mort will be charged with aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child and conspiracy.
“The actions of these defendants are incomprehensible in their heinousness. “It is believed that this was the case,” Stollsteimer said. “Bite marks as well as possible signs of strangulation further strengthen the image of depravity on the part of the defendants.Despite offers of assistance from CYS, the defendants are afraid the abuse will likely be discovered. I neglected to see a doctor dozens of times out of fear.”
On January 22, 2024, Chesterfield Police Department officers responded to a report of an unconscious infant. Upon arrival, they met with Coleman, who handed over his 1-year-old son.
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Zamareon Mort (left) and Armani Coleman are accused of starving the 1-year-old twins to death and physically abusing them until they were near death. (Delaware County District Attorney’s Office)
Police reported the child had shallow breathing and signs of lethargy.
The parents told investigators that the child may have hit his head on the door frame while crawling. He was taken to Nemours Children’s Hospital and diagnosed with bilateral facial injuries due to blunt impact trauma and shaking/impact related injuries.
A 1-year-old boy also underwent surgery to drain a subdural hemorrhage.
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The office of District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, said in a statement that a pediatrician who examined the child said the child’s injuries were near-fatal. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke/File)
The prosecutor’s office said a child abuse pediatrician examined the child and said the injuries were near-fatal.
After examining the boy, detectives moved on to the female twins, who found marks and bruises on their faces and numerous scratches on their bodies.
Mort told investigators the wound was self-inflicted, but the doctor who examined the girl said the location of the wound did not match the description.
Doctors also found that the child was weak and on a deliberate diet, which nearly led to death. Doctors found what appeared to be bite marks on the girl, as well as scratches and marks consistent with restraint and strangulation.
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Both parents were remanded to prison. (St. Petersburg)
Both parents told police they were not employed and were the sole caregivers for the twins.
When detectives searched the contents of the parents’ electronic devices, they found searches for “scar removal cream for infants,” “how to remove bite marks,” and “can you tell if the baby was choking?”
The county’s Department of Children and Youth Services (CYS) told detectives they opened the case after the children missed 15 medical appointments.
Prosecutors also said that records show both children tested positive for THC at birth, adding that the female twins were medically fragile children who required oxygen.
CYS reported that the girl did not have mandatory monitoring equipment.
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Both parents were remanded to George W. Hill Correctional Facility.
“In the face of this horrific situation, I would like to express my gratitude to the members of law enforcement and medical professionals who work every day to prevent this type of tragedy from happening and to respond to this horrific situation and protect our children. I was reminded once again of the respect and gratitude I have for people. Things happen,” Stollsteimer said. “They are truly doing God’s work.”
