St. Louis, Missouri — A Missouri woman is facing serious criminal charges after authorities say her 1-year-old daughter died from apparent starvation and another young child was discovered severely malnourished inside the family’s apartment.
The case has sparked outrage after investigators revealed details about the children’s physical condition and the alleged lack of medical care they received in the months leading up to the tragedy.
Police arrested Sausha Mia Myers, 29, who now faces two counts of child abuse and neglect resulting in serious physical injury. Additional charges could be filed pending the results of an autopsy.
Emergency Call Leads to Grim Discovery
According to court documents, officers responded Sunday to an apartment building in St. Louis after receiving a call for help involving an unresponsive child.
Dispatchers were reportedly told that a 1-year-old girl was breathing slowly and not responding.
When first responders arrived, they found the toddler lying on the living room floor without a pulse or signs of life.
A second child, a 3-year-old girl, was also inside the apartment.
Investigators noted that both children appeared severely malnourished and emaciated. Paramedics rushed the girls to a hospital, where doctors pronounced the younger child dead.
Investigators Detail Severe Malnutrition
Authorities said the 1-year-old weighed only 10 pounds, significantly below the average weight expected for a child her age.
The 3-year-old reportedly weighed 17 pounds, well below the typical weight range for a healthy child of similar age.
According to investigators, medical staff observed additional signs of severe malnutrition in the surviving child.
Police reported that the 3-year-old had developed lanugo, a fine hair sometimes associated with extreme weight loss and the body’s attempt to conserve heat when body fat levels become dangerously low.
The child was also found to have scars on her chest and stomach and was described as nonverbal. She remains hospitalized and continues receiving treatment.
Mother Allegedly Admitted Children Had Not Seen Doctor
During questioning, investigators said Myers acknowledged that neither child had been examined by a doctor in approximately one year.
According to court records, the older child had previously received medical care in Texas because of concerns regarding low body weight.
Authorities said doctors had provided guidance about proper nutrition and healthy weight gain.
Investigators further stated that neither child suffered from a known medical condition that would have prevented them from maintaining a healthy weight.
Child Allegedly Received Only 250 Calories Per Day
According to the probable cause affidavit, Myers told investigators that the deceased child’s diet consisted primarily of yogurt, vegetable pouches, and fruit pouches.
Police calculated that the meals provided approximately 250 calories per day, far below the nutritional needs of a growing toddler.
Investigators also allege that the child’s condition had worsened during the previous two weeks, but no medical attention was sought.
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Officers noted the child had developed bedsores on her head and back, further raising concerns about her overall condition and care.
In court documents, investigators concluded that the defendant failed to provide adequate nutrition necessary to maintain the children’s health.
Charges Filed as Investigation Continues
Myers was arrested and booked into the St. Louis City Justice Center, where authorities said she is being held without bond.
The investigation remains active, and officials are awaiting autopsy results to determine the child’s official cause of death.
Prosecutors could pursue additional charges depending on those findings.
Meanwhile, the surviving child continues to receive medical treatment as authorities work to ensure her safety and recovery.
What are your thoughts on this case? Share your views respectfully in the comments while remembering that the investigation remains ongoing and all allegations must be proven in court.