HARLEM, NY – A Harlem couple is facing second-degree murder charges following the tragic death of their 4-year-old son, Jah’Meik Modlin. Authorities allege that the child suffered from prolonged neglect and starvation and was found weighing only 19 pounds at the time of his death.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. announced the indictment against Nytavia Ragsdale, 26, and Laron Modlin, 25, who are accused of starving their son over a two-year period. The case came to light when Jah’Meik was pronounced dead early on October 14, 2024, after being rushed to the hospital the night before in an unresponsive state.

Court documents reveal appalling living conditions and neglect. Jah’Meik and his three siblings, ages 5, 6, and 7, were allegedly kept in a feces-laden apartment, with no access to the locked refrigerator or food hidden behind zip-tied cabinets. The children had reportedly been starved while the parents continued to purchase food for themselves.

The indictment includes charges of murder, manslaughter, and multiple counts of child endangerment. Authorities detailed that when the children were brought to the hospital, they were covered in dirt and feces, a grim testament to their living conditions.

Investigations uncovered that the family had a functioning refrigerator filled with fresh produce, but it was deliberately made inaccessible to the children. Additionally, a bedroom within the home was described as being so covered in filth that the floor was obscured, further emphasizing the extent of the neglect.

Disturbingly, the children were not enrolled in school, nor had they received medical attention for over two years. Investigators found that Ragsdale and Modlin limited communication with others to shield the children’s deteriorating situation.

District Attorney Bragg expressed deep anguish over the case, emphasizing the harrowing loss of Jah’Meik. He described the conditions as a ‘stain on our collective conscience’ and assured the public that his office is dedicated to pursuing justice for Jah’Meik and support for his surviving siblings, who remain hospitalized as they slowly recover from malnutrition.

The story brings to the forefront critical issues around child welfare and the responsibilities of communities and law enforcement to protect vulnerable children. As the case moves through the legal system, the broader implications for social services and child protection infrastructure remain under scrutiny.