Harlem boy who allegedly died of malnourishment at parents' hands remembered at memorial
NEW YORK -- A growing memorial in Harlem is dedicated to a boy who prosecutors say died of malnourishment at the hands of his parents.
Four-year-old Jahmeik Modlin weighed just 19 pounds when officers found him last weekend and took him to the hospital, where he died, according to prosecutors.
The boy's three siblings – ages 5, 6 and 7 – remain in the hospital and were being treated for malnourishment, officials said. They're unable to eat solid foods and were being fed via IV, prosecutors said.
It's alleged Jahmeik and his three siblings never went to school and were isolated from the rest of their family.
Harlem community supports grandmother, family of 4-year-old Jahmeik Modlin
The Harlem community came together Saturday to support Flora Jones, the grandmother of Jahmeik Modlin. Jones' attorney says she can't comprehend how her estranged son and the mother of her 4-year-old grandson could severely neglect him and his three siblings.
"We are investigating this matter ... What we're anticipating to do is to investigate, to make sure no stone is unturned related to what happened to this family," attorney Max Silverberg said.
The day started with a prayer service at the Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network, then the crowd marched to a memorial at the building where Jahmeik and his parents lived. A wreath was placed there in his memory.
"I do not want to say what should have, could have been done yet, but I know that this family should not be mourning alone," Sharpton said.
The organization We All Really Matter (W.A.R.M.) is helping Jones gain custody of the other children.
"And we know that if we cannot shine a light to domestic violence and mental illness, what is a silent killer," W.A.R.M. founder and CEO Stephanie McGraw said.
"And we need you to step up, community, because if you see something, what you supposed to do?" said Jackie Rowe-Adams, with Harlem Mothers & Fathers S.A.V.E.
"Say something," McGraw responded.
Sharpton says his network will be paying for Jahmeik's funeral, which has not yet been scheduled.
Parents charged in 4-year-old boy's death
Nytavia Ragsdale and Laron Modlin, the deceased boy's mother and father, were arrested after their son's death.
Ragsdale, 26, was charged with 2nd degree manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child. Modlin, 25, was charged with criminally negligent homicide and endangering the welfare of a child.
Neighbors and other people passing by the memorial stopped to pay their respects Saturday morning.
"It's sad. It's sad, I'm telling you. It's too sad! Are you serious? It shouldn't have happened. And now all these other kids are suffering," said Patricia Shaw, one of the neighbors outraged by the allegations.
Some neighbors say Ragsdale and Modlin never brought their children out and that Ragsdale "didn't look right."
"Not maintaining herself with hygiene," neighbor Erica Speed said.
"People knew she had kids 'cause she said she had kids, but to see the kids... No one ever seen the kids," neighbor Maribella Ortiz said.
The children who are hospitalized are now under New York City's care.
