HARRISBURG, PA – A Pennsylvanian couple faces serious charges after the death of their infant daughter, who authorities say was brutally abused. Jose Melendez Padilla, 24, and Layla Souders, 20, have been charged in the death of 4-month-old Ioni Souders, according to the Susquehanna Township Police Department.

Police were called to an apartment on Wakefield Road on March 28, responding to reports of an infant in cardiac arrest. The child later died at a local hospital. Initial claims by the child’s mother, Souders, indicated she had dropped Ioni, resulting in her injuries.

However, the infant exhibited severe physical trauma inconsistent with a simple fall, including a fractured femur, broken ribs, a skull fracture, and other traumatic injuries, police say.

The nature of the injuries suggested they occurred over multiple incidents, prompting police to further investigate. Souders eventually recanted her initial story, alleging that Melendez Padilla was responsible for the ongoing abuse since late February. She reportedly avoided medical appointments for the infant to hide the visible signs of harm.

Melendez Padilla confessed to parts of the abuse, and text messages reviewed by the authorities revealed his animosity towards the child. He reportedly expressed his disdain in messages to Souders, admitting he disliked the baby and even suggesting adoption as a solution. In one alarming message, authorities report he described an instance of abuse where he allegedly struck the infant, causing her to lose consciousness.

Despite their daughter’s condition, neither parent sought medical assistance. Authorities revealed that Melendez Padilla searched online for ways to address the child’s injuries at home rather than seeking professional help. On the day of Ioni’s death, Souders left her with Melendez Padilla, who allegedly did not seek help even as the baby’s condition worsened.

In addition to the charges related to the infant’s death, Melendez Padilla is facing immigration-related charges. Officials discovered he is an undocumented immigrant who entered the United States in May 2024 and remained in the country beyond his visa’s expiration. He was also found in possession of fake identification.

Both defendants are being held in Dauphin County Prison without the option of bail. They are due to appear in court for their hearings on Thursday.