Three members of a family in Berks County, Pennsylvania, have been arrested and charged with the homicide of a 6-year-old girl. Jazmine Rodriguez (44), Manuel Rodriguez, Sr. (46), and Manuel Rodriguez Jr. (20) face charges including criminal homicide, false imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of children.
According to the Berks County District Attorney’s office, Reading Police responded to a 911 call on May 28 reporting a 6-year-old female in cardiac arrest. The child was under the care of her grandmother, grandfather, and uncle at the time, according to Local21.
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An investigation revealed that the child had been locked in a room with a reversed lock for over three days, without access to food, water, or a bathroom. Temperatures in the room are estimated to have reached 100 degrees with 90 percent humidity. An autopsy concluded that the child died from dehydration and prolonged exposure to high temperatures due to neglect.
Interviews with the suspects and witnesses, along with evidence found on seized cell phones and home surveillance footage, revealed a disturbing pattern of neglect and abuse.
The victim was reportedly routinely confined to her room and denied basic necessities. Schoolteachers reported being instructed by Jazmine Rodriguez not to feed the child or give her positive reinforcement.
The three suspects are currently in custody awaiting trial. The investigation is ongoing.
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