premature infants
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
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
What was the condition of the premature twins and how did their weight change over time?
The premature twins, JV1 and JV2, were born on October 7th at extremely low birth weights - JV1 at 4.16 pounds and JV2 at just 3.74 pounds. Their condition was concerning, as they were later found to be malnourished and required hospitalization at St. Christopher's Hospital, which prompted child welfare referrals. When their mother took them for a doctor's visit two months later on December 11th, baby number one had only gained to 5.78 pounds, showing minimal weight gain that was insufficient for proper development. This alarming lack of weight gain, combined with missed medical appointments, led to allegations of medical neglect against the parents, Courtney Soikas and Marcus Medella.
Watch clip answer (00:35m)Law&Crime Network
02:23 - 02:58
What are the key allegations in the case of child neglect involving the premature twins?
The case involves allegations of gross neglect and medical neglect against the parents, Courtney Soikas and Marcus Medella. According to District Attorney Jen Shorn, the premature twins were severely malnourished because their parents ignored their hunger cues. Medical professionals diagnosed that the babies were giving appropriate hunger signals that were clearly being ignored. The parents also failed to take the twins to required pediatric appointments which would have flagged their concerning condition. These appointments were especially crucial for premature babies born at 32 weeks who require special care and feeding every few hours. The combination of nutritional neglect and missed medical care put these vulnerable infants at serious risk.
Watch clip answer (00:55m)
Law&Crime Network
04:29 - 05:25