child neglect
What is the severity of child endangerment charges in Pennsylvania when a child under six is put at risk of death or serious injury?
In Pennsylvania, child endangerment typically constitutes a misdemeanor one offense. However, when a child under the age of six is put at risk of death or serious bodily injury, the charge rises to a felony one - the most serious criminal charge in Pennsylvania aside from murder. As a felony one offense, child endangerment carries severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. The severity of this charge reflects Pennsylvania's legal framework designed to provide heightened protection for young children who are particularly vulnerable to neglect and abuse.
Watch clip answer (00:35m)
Law&Crime Network
14:32 - 15:08
What happened to the premature twins after they were released from the NICU?
After being released from the NICU, the premature twins allegedly failed to gain adequate weight while in their parents' care. According to the affidavit, the defendants (parents Courtney Soikas and Marcus Medella) neglected their parental responsibilities by failing to bring their children to at least four scheduled medical appointments. This medical neglect is particularly serious given the twins' premature birth and vulnerable condition, leading to allegations of child endangerment against the parents. The case highlights the critical importance of proper follow-up care for premature infants.
Watch clip answer (00:26m)
Law&Crime Network
01:36 - 02:03
What is the current condition of the twins who were victims of neglect in Bucks County?
The twins who were victims of alleged neglect by their parents Courtney Soikas and Marcus Medella in Bucks County are now thriving in foster care. According to host Angenette Levy's conversation with District Attorney Jen Shorn, the babies have survived their ordeal despite facing serious malnutrition and missed medical appointments that led to charges of child endangerment against their parents. Their recovery and current well-being represent a positive outcome in this disturbing case of child neglect, highlighting the crucial role of foster care in protecting vulnerable children.
Watch clip answer (00:07m)
Law&Crime Network
09:39 - 09:46
What is the shocking allegation against the parents in the premature twins case?
The parents, Courtney Soikas and Marcus Medella, are accused of intentionally not feeding their premature twins enough after the babies were released from the NICU. The case involves allegations that the parents had an agreement to deliberately malnourish their twins, which crime reporter Angenette Levy describes as 'horrific and stunning.' Former Pennsylvania prosecutor Matt Mangino confirms the severity of these claims, stating it's a stunning allegation to suggest this was a planned crime to not nourish, feed, and properly care for these vulnerable premature infants. The case has prompted serious child endangerment charges in Bucks County against the parents.
Watch clip answer (00:38m)Law&Crime Network
10:54 - 11:33
Why were the parents of the newborn twins charged with neglect?
The parents, Courtney Soikas and Marcus Medella, were charged with child endangerment after missing four medical appointments for their premature twins born in October. According to District Attorney Jen Shorn, it took deliberate effort to ignore repeated appointment scheduling attempts from pediatric physicians who proactively seek out parents of newborns to ensure proper care. When the mother finally brought the babies to a medical appointment in December, it was discovered they were malnourished due to the parents' failure to feed them properly. No explanation was provided for why both parents neglected to feed their children or missed critical medical appointments.
Watch clip answer (00:41m)
Law&Crime Network
05:41 - 06:22
What charges are Courtney Soikas and Marcus Medella facing and why?
Courtney Soikas and Marcus Medella are currently incarcerated in Bucks County, facing serious charges of child endangerment and criminal conspiracy. These charges stem from allegations that they failed to properly feed their premature twins who were born in October of the previous year. According to the Bucks County District Attorney Jen Shorn, the case centers on a straightforward but disturbing accusation - the parents simply were not providing adequate nourishment to their infant twins. This alleged neglect occurred after the premature infants were released from medical care, resulting in the twins becoming malnourished despite their vulnerable condition.
Watch clip answer (00:24m)Law&Crime Network
00:30 - 00:55