Philadelphia Couple Ordered To Stand Trial For Allegedly Starving Toddler
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A judge has ordered a Philadelphia man and woman to stand trial in the starvation of their disabled toddler, saying the girl looked "like an Auschwitz child" when she died.
Thirty-year-old Carlos Rivera is charged with first-degree murder and 27-year-old Carmen Ramirez is charged with third-degree murder in the death of 3-year-old Nathalyz Rivera. The girl weighed just over 11 pounds when she died in September.
Municipal Court Judge James DeLeon held the couple for trial after hearing testimony Wednesday from doctors, homicide detectives and a city social worker.
Officials said Nathalyz was born blind and unable to talk or walk. Associate Medical Examiner Andrew Rosen said her lack of nutrition and medical care was "glaring."
Defense attorneys unsuccessfully sought reduction or dismissal of the charges.
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