Teanna Fuller, the child’s biological mother, Joseph Ambrose, the mother’s boyfriend, and Patrick Hayes, the child’s biological father, are each charged in the child’s death in Erie, according to the release.
All three defendants are charged with the following:
- Felony Involuntary Manslaughter.
- Felony Aggravated Assault.
- Felony Endangering Welfare of Children.
- Misdemeanor Simple Assault.
- Misdemeanor Recklessly Endangering Another Person.
Erie Police were called to 709 West 16th Street in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Jan. 22, after Ambrose called 911 and said he found the 8-year-old boy unresponsive in his bedroom, the DA said.
EMS arrived and noted there were no signs of life, according to the release.
Ambrose told officers he lived at the address with Fuller, while Hayes lived in Millcreek, investigators said.
Responding officers and EMS described the home as “deplorable and cluttered,” and said it had an infestation of roaches and bedbugs, the DA stated.
An autopsy was conducted by Dr. Eric Vey, who determined the cause of death was bilateral bronchopneumonia, according to the release.
Detective Sergeant Ron Pilarski and Detective Sergeant Dave Madurski investigated and learned the boy had been showing symptoms of pneumonia since the end of November, authorities said.
Detectives said interviews with Ambrose, Fuller, and Hayes revealed each of them knew the child’s health was declining — but none sought medical attention or took reasonable steps to address his serious medical needs, according to the DA.
Erie County Forensic Pathologist Dr. Todd Luckasevic reviewed the findings and concluded the boy’s death was preventable, and that proper medical treatment would have saved his life, investigators said.
“This case is not about a mistake or misjudgment,” Hirz said. “It’s about a sustained failure to act in the face of a child’s obvious medical distress. This child was profoundly failed by the adults responsible for his care and protection.”
Fuller and Ambrose were arraigned on Friday, Jan. 17, before Magisterial District Judge Timothy S. Beveridge, who set bail for each at $100,000 cash, according to the release.
Hayes was arraigned on Thursday, Jan. 22, and Judge Beveridge set bail at $100,000 cash, authorities said.
Preliminary hearings for all three defendants are scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 4, before Magisterial District Judge Alison M. Scarpitti, according to the release.
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