A man from Lancaster has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the tragic death of his 14-month-old child. The judge ruled on Friday that he was guilty of homicide by child abuse and unlawful neglect.
David Demias White was taken into custody in 2021 following a distress call to a residence on Pardue Street regarding an unconscious baby on Feb. 22.
Upon arrival, the infant was found unresponsive and without vital signs. Tragically, the child was later declared deceased at the hospital.
Authorities have concluded that the tragic demise of the infant was a result of severe dehydration and malnutrition. Shockingly, it has been revealed that six other children residing in the same household were subjected to abuse and neglect.
On May 13, 2021, White and the children’s mother, Shaquanda Page, were charged with homicide by child abuse and six counts of unlawful conduct toward a child for the remaining children.
Page pleaded guilty in November 2022 and received a 27-year prison sentence.
The decision was made to proceed with a jury trial, which commenced in August 2024.
The individual has been convicted and given a 25-year prison sentence for the charge of homicide by child abuse, along with 10 years for each of the neglect charges. These sentences will be served simultaneously.
“We are pleased with the outcome of this case. Any case dealing with loss of life is tragic, but the loss of a child even more so. Being able to hold both of the parents responsible for her death and for their neglect of their other children is a good day for justice in Lancaster County,” said Sixth Circuit Deputy Solicitor Melissa McGinnis in a press release.