Jahmeik Modlin, a 4-year-old boy, died in conditions of extreme malnutrition in Harlem, in an unsanitary apartment, prosecutors revealed during a hearing Thursday, reports the New York Post. Her father, Laron Modlin, 25, was charged with involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment, and was remanded in custody without the possibility of bail.
According to Deputy Prosecutor Heather Buchanan, one of the most disturbing scenes observed by investigators was a refrigerator filled with food, but turned against the wall, making its contents inaccessible. “The kitchen cupboards containing food were sealed with child safety locks,” added Heather Buchanan.
Malnutrition and dehydration
Jahmeik Modlin, who weighed only eight kilos when he died, showed serious signs of malnutrition and dehydration. Her hair was thinning, and hair had begun to grow on her face, symptoms indicating prolonged food deprivation. “Not only did this child suffer from severe muscle wasting and no body fat, but his bone growth was also affected,” she said, as reported by the New York Post.
The living conditions in the apartment were alarming. One room was covered in human feces, and the walls had marks consistent with children’s footprints. When Jahmeik Modlin lost consciousness on Sunday, he had feces embedded in his hair, Heather Buchanan revealed. Rushed to Harlem Hospital, he died a few hours later, despite doctors’ attempts.
Three other children urgently hospitalized
The couple’s three other children were taken into care by the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS). They are currently hospitalized on intravenous drips due to their advanced state of malnutrition. “They are so malnourished that they are on a liquid diet,” Buchanan added.
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Laron Modlin, who admitted to spending most of his time playing video games or on his phone, told authorities he “did not notice his son’s condition.” After her son was hospitalized, Laron Modlin left the apartment and hid at a family member’s house to avoid being questioned by the police. The mother, Nytavia Ragsdale, was indicted on the same charges, with bail set at $100,000 by another judge.
