A couple in New York City’s the Bronx has been arrested after they allegedly killed their 3-year-old daughter and neglected their other child.
Prosecutors said in a press release that parents Calvin Harris and Ymonzherae Gill have been accused of starving their 3-year-old daughter to death and neglecting her twin brother.
The Bronx district attorney Darcel D. Clark said in a statement that Gill, 35, was arraigned on Monday, October 19, and Harris, 37, was arraigned the following day on Tuesday, October 20. They have both been charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter and assault.
Authorities became aware of the couple’s alleged abuse on March 3 when the parents called 911 to report that the girl, Essence Gill Harris, was having trouble breathing. First responders went to the couple’s apartment in the Williamsbridge neighborhood to treat the girl, who was then taken to a hospital for additional treatment.
However, doctors couldn’t save the girl and she was later pronounced dead.
The medical examiner’s office performed an autopsy and determined that the girl died of acute and chronic neglect, including malnutrition and dehydration.
Prosecutors added that Essence’s brother, whose name has not been publicly. He remained hospitalized for one month, but has since recovered. It is not currently clear who has custody of the boy amid his parent’s legal issues.
“These precious children were found in deplorable conditions,” Clark said in the statement about the case. “Sadly, the little girl could not be saved. These defendants allegedly failed to adequately feed and care for their children.”
Harris remains in custody after he was not granted bail, while Gill was given a bail of $500,000.
The couple is expected to return back to court on December 9 regarding their charges.
Both Harris and Gill pleaded not guilty to the charges during their arraignment. The investigation into the case remains ongoing.
The case is being prosecuted by Major Case Assistant District Attorney Tiffany Wichman of the Child Abuse/Sex Crimes Bureau, and she will be helped by Assistant District Attorney Allison Corley, per the press release. They will work under the supervision of Astrid Borgstedt, Trial Counsel of the Child Abuse/Sex Crimes
Bureau, Mimi Mairs, Chief of the Child Abuse/Sex Crimes Bureau, Adrienne Giunta, Deputy Chief of Special Victims Division and Joe Muroff, Chief of Special Victims Division.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
