A tragic incident happened in Pennsylvania as a young girl lost her life after being confined to a room for several days, according to authorities.
The girl’s grandmother, Jazmine Rodriguez, 44, and her grandfather, Manuel Rodriguez Sr., 46, are facing charges related to the tragic death of the child. The Berks County District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that the child’s death has been ruled a homicide, as reported by ABC, Fox, and NBC.
According to reports from local outlets, authorities were summoned to a residence in Reading, Pa., on May 28 after receiving a report about a young girl experiencing cardiac arrest.
A child was transported in an ambulance, however, authorities noted that she seemed to have been deceased for a significant period of time, according to reports from the DA’s office.
The cause of death was determined to be dehydration and prolonged exposure to heat resulting from neglect, according to the medical examiner. As per the reports from the DA’s office, it was revealed that the child had been neglected and left in a soiled diaper for several days before her unfortunate demise. This neglect resulted in severe rashes.
According to reports, the room where the girl was kept may have become extremely hot and humid due to poor air circulation.
According to Fox, the medical examiner revealed that the child’s condition indicated she had been confined in a room for over three days.
The girl’s uncle, Manuel A. Rodriguez, Jr., 20, is currently evading capture.
The three suspects have been charged with criminal homicide, unlawful restraint/serious bodily injury, false imprisonment, endangering the welfare of children, and other related charges, according to the reports.
It remains uncertain whether any of the suspects have entered pleas or secured legal representation.
NBC reported that the Reading School District released a statement on Monday, August 5, regarding the child’s death. School Superintendent Jennifer Murray expressed her deep sorrow, stating that the loss of a young life is always a devastating tragedy, and the circumstances surrounding this child’s death are especially distressing.
The district confirmed that the child had previously been enrolled as a student, but did not attend school during the previous academic year.