Tragedy in Harlem: Mother Charged with the Death of 4-Year-Old Son
Arrest and Indictment
Detectives in Harlem have arrested and charged the mother of a 4-year-old boy found dead in her home on Sunday night after three other missing children were reported missing, authorities said.
The Incident
The parents of a Harlem boy found starved to death last month, Laron Modlin, 25, and Nytavia Ragsdale, 26, were arraigned on November 6 in a Manhattan courtroom for the October 13 death of their 4-year-old son, Jah’meik Modlin. Modlin called 911 at around 7:42 p.m. from the home on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and 144th Street, telling authorities that his son was unresponsive. When EMS arrived, they found the tot, who only weighed 19 pounds and had less than zero percent on the growth chart for children his age.
Cause of Death
Jah’meik was rushed to Harlem Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at around 5:50 a.m. the next day. He suffered from malnutrition, dehydration, and starvation, and at the time of his death, he had almost no body fat.
Investigation
Court documents allege that the parents not only actively starved Jah’meik but also three other children, ages 5, 6, and 7. The pair reportedly turned the refrigerator, containing produce, toward the wall so the kids could not open it, and used zip ties to lock cabinet doors. However, the bedroom where the youngsters lived was the stuff of nightmares.
District Attorney’s Statement
"The death of Jah’meik Modlin, an innocent four-year-old child, is a tragedy that has scarred this city. That he died a slow and painful death, starving alongside his older siblings, somehow isolated in the heart of Harlem, is a stain on our collective conscience," said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. "Today, his parents are indicted for allegedly killing him through extreme physical neglect and persistent abuse with depraved indifference for his life."
Conditions in the Home
Inside the three-bedroom apartment, one room – the only one with a lock on the outside – was completely covered in fecal matter on the floors and walls (at children’s height). The furnishings inside this deplorable living space were broken, and only a mattress propped onto its side was covered in feces. None of the rooms had doorknobs.
Isolation and Neglect
Reports show that Jah’meik and his siblings were not seen at school or by a physician for over two years, and interactions with family and friends were limited to phone/video chats. According to the District Attorney’s office, the children were kept in complete isolation to avoid suspicion of their grotesque living situation.
Medical Condition of the Siblings
The siblings who were hospitalized were found to have layers of dirt and feces matted to their hair and skin. Prosecutors said they were in such terrible condition due to malnutrition that they displayed limited motor skills and could not even feed themselves.
Conclusion
The death of Jah’meik Modlin is a tragedy that has shocked the city, and the investigation is ongoing to secure justice for him and his siblings.
FAQs
Q: What happened to Jah’meik Modlin?
A: Jah’meik, a 4-year-old boy, was found dead in his home in Harlem after being starved to death by his parents.
Q: Who are the suspects in the case?
A: Laron Modlin, 25, and Nytavia Ragsdale, 26, the parents of Jah’meik, are the suspects in the case.
Q: What is the condition of the other siblings?
A: The siblings, ages 5, 6, and 7, were found to have layers of dirt and feces matted to their hair and skin due to malnutrition and were unable to feed themselves.
Q: How can I report suspected child abuse?
A: You can call 911 in an emergency or contact the Manhattan District Attorney’s office at 212-335-4308.
