LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A Lake County couple has been sentenced to prison for the manslaughter of their 11-month-old daughter, Marcelyn Brittian, who died of starvation in September 2021.
Margaret Elizabeth Lehman, 27, and Mark Edward Brittian Jr., 30, were both adjudicated guilty and sentenced by Judge Cary F. Rada. Lehman received 13 years in prison, while Brittian was sentenced to 13.25 years.
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“This is disgusting, the most vulnerable of our society has been victimized by the most evil. At least in prison, they’ll both receive food, unlike their innocent child,” stated Bill Gladson, State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit.
Lehman and Brittian were charged with Aggravated Manslaughter after Leesburg Police responded to their home for a report of an unresponsive infant. Upon arrival, officers found the home in deplorable conditions, with a strong odor of garbage and rotting food. The 11-month-old was found in a dirty playpen, covered in dirt and dried feces.
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Life-saving measures were attempted on the child but were unsuccessful. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.
During questioning, both parents claimed their children were happy and healthy. However, investigators discovered that Brittian had made calls to two other individuals 15 minutes before calling 911. A medical examiner’s report revealed the child had not eaten for approximately two to three days and was severely malnourished.
Both Lehman and Brittian were arrested. The couple’s 3-year-old child was placed with family members.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Gabriel Lozano.
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