Grandparents lock 6-year-old in 100-degree room for 3 days, killing her, officials say
Two grandparents are among three family members charged in connection to the death of a 6-year-old girl, Pennsylvania authorities said.
Jazmin Rodriguez, 44, and Manuel A. Rodriguez Sr., 46, were arrested Aug. 5 on multiple charges, including criminal homicide, false imprisonment and endangering the welfare of children, court records show.
Authorities are still searching for the child’s uncle, 20-year-old Manuel Rodriguez Jr., who they said lived in the home and will face charges in connection with her death, WHP reported.
Attorney information for the couple was not available.
Officers responded May 28 to a report of a 6-year-old girl in cardiac arrest at a home in Reading, WPVI reported.
Upon arrival, first responders said it appeared that the child had been dead for some time, the outlet reported.
Officials said an autopsy revealed the girl’s cause of death was dehydration and prolonged exposure to high temperatures, WCAU reported.
Officials said the girl’s grandparents, her primary caregivers, locked her in a room for three days where temperatures likely reached 100 degrees, according to the outlet.
She was not allowed to use the bathroom and was found wearing a diaper that had not been changed, WHP reported.
A witness told authorities the child did not have access to food or water because her grandparents did not want her using the bathroom, KYW-TV reported, citing a probable cause affidavit.
The outlet also reported that the grandmother’s search history included the query “how to abandon a 6-year-old girl.”
Jazmin and Manuel Sr. are being held at Berks County Prison and their bail has been denied, court records show.
Reading is about a 60-mile drive northwest from Philadelphia.
This story was originally published August 6, 2024 at 2:02 PM with the headline "Grandparents lock 6-year-old in 100-degree room for 3 days, killing her, officials say."
