NEW YORK — A couple from New York City has been charged in connection with the tragic death of their young son, a situation described by prosecutors as one of active starvation involving not only the boy but also his siblings. The incident occurred in their Harlem residence, where the parents allegedly maintained a refrigerator filled with fresh food intended for their own consumption.
Nytavia Ragsdale, aged 26, and Laron Modlin, 24, are facing multiple charges, including murder, manslaughter, assault, and four counts of endangering the welfare of children. Ragsdale, initially charged with second-degree manslaughter, entered a not guilty plea during her court appearance and remains in custody without bail. Modlin is set to appear in court next week for his arraignment.
According to Manhattan’s District Attorney Alvin Bragg, there has been a need for more severe charges due to the “extreme physical neglect and persistent abuse with depraved indifference for his life” exhibited by the parents. Bragg remarked on the tragic death of four-year-old Jah’Meik Modlin, stating, “This is a tragedy that has scarred this city. That he died a slow and painful death, starving alongside his older siblings… is a stain on our collective conscience.”
Prosecutors have claimed that the couple deliberately turned the refrigerator around to face a wall and used zip ties to lock the cabinets that contained food, effectively keeping the children from gaining access to nourishment. Furthermore, it was indicated that the children led secluded lives, rarely if ever seen by extended family or outsiders. They had not attended school, had missed medical check-ups for several years, and lived in a room that was described as being covered in feces.
The young boy, Jah’Meik, was pronounced dead at a hospital following his discovery by police who found him unresponsive in their home on October 13. At the time, he was reported to weigh just 19 pounds with almost no body fat. His three siblings, aged 5, 6, and 7, were also found to be severely malnourished and are currently receiving hospitalization.
The office of the public defender representing the accused parents has opted not to provide comments at this stage.