Grafton, W.Va. — A West Virginia man has pleaded guilty in connection with the death of his 11-year-old daughter, who weighed just 43 pounds when she died last year after prolonged neglect and malnourishment, according to court records.
Aaron James Moran, 43, entered a guilty plea this week to one count of death of a child by a parent, guardian, or person in a position of trust through child abuse. As part of the deal, prosecutors agreed to drop separate murder and child neglect charges against him. In exchange, Moran is required to testify against his ex-wife, Shannon Robinson, 51, who served as the girl’s primary custodian and still faces trial on charges including murder of a child by a parent or guardian by refusal, as well as child neglect resulting in death. A third individual, described in court filings as the girl’s “psychological brother,” has also been charged in connection with the case.
Authorities said deputies were called to the family’s home in Grafton in February 2025 after emergency responders found the child, Miana Moran, unresponsive. She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. An autopsy listed her cause of death as bilateral acute pneumonia, with severe malnutrition cited as a contributing factor. Investigators noted her weight and physical condition were far below what would be expected for her age.
According to a probable cause affidavit, investigators found that food was withheld from the girl as a form of punishment over an extended period, while other members of the household ate normally. The affidavit also alleges the child had been isolated from extended family and had not received medical care in years.
Moran faces a sentence of 15 years to life in prison. A judge has ordered a presentence investigation, and Moran’s sentencing date has not yet been set. Robinson has pleaded not guilty, and no trial date has been scheduled in her case.