HARLEM, N.Y. (PIX11) — The Manhattan parents accused of killing their 4-year-old son allegedly starved all their children for years while treating themselves to fresh food daily, prosecutors said.
Nytavia Ragsdale, 26, and Laron Modlin, 25, were indicted Wednesday for murder, manslaughter, assault, and criminally negligent homicide in connection to the death of Jah’Meik Modlin last month, authorities said. The boy weighed 19 pounds when he died.
“Today his parents are indicted for allegedly killing him through extreme physical neglect and persistent abuse with depraved indifference for his life,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said.
1-month-old Staten Island boy starved to death: sources
The parents allegedly filled their fridge with fresh food but turned it to the wall so their four kids couldn’t open it, according to court records. Any cabinet containing food had a zip tie on the handle.
Jah’Meik’s siblings, ages 5, 6, and 7, are still h ospitalized for malnutrition and slowly recovering their lost motor skills, including being able to hold utensils, according to court records.