The parents of a 19-month-old Pennsylvania baby found dead late last year from dehydration and neglect appeared in court Friday to face multiple charges against them.
James Kasisky, 26, and Valentina-Varela Luis, 25, are each charged with involuntary manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a child, and reckless endangerment in the death of their daughter, Phoenix Kasisky, on December 23, WBRE reported.
Emergency medical personnel who responded to the home found the toddler dead in a bedroom with rigor mortis already set in, sunken eyes, and fingertips with no coloration. The investigation determined that Kasisky and Luis had not checked on the girl in more than 24 hours.
The Luzerne County Coroner’s Office found the baby’s stomach empty except for a small amount of fluid and ruled the death a homicide caused by dehydration and metabolic imbalance due to neglect.
“This case is horrific. It’s nightmarish for any parent with children,” assistant Luzerne County District Attorney Shana Messinger said in March when the couple was arrested. “The affidavit speaks for itself. Our extensive investigation, involving forensic and medical teams found the baby was unattended for a period of greater than 24 hours, and we proceeded with the charges. I think the message is you got to watch your child every step of the way.”
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At Friday’s preliminary hearing, three witnesses described the baby’s state when she was found as well as conditions in her room, which was described as hot and dry. The toddler was wearing long sleeves and had mats in her hair, the witnesses said. They didn’t see any baby monitors in the house.
The hearing will continue on Monday.
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[Featured image: Phoenix Kasisky/Howell-Lussi Funeral Home]
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