Both parents charged in 4-year-old Harlem boy’s death: NYPD

HARLEM, N.Y. (PIX11) — A father is in police custody after his 4-year-old son died of possible starvation on Sunday, according to authorities and sources.

Laron Modlin, 25, was arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide and endangering the welfare of a child, police say.

The boy’s mother , Nytavia Ragsdale, 26, was charged with criminally negligent homicide and endangering the welfare of a child on Monday. Police suspect her of starving him to death , sources told PIX11 News.

Cops found the child, Jahmeik Modlin, unconscious and unresponsive in a home near Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and West 145th Street on Sunday, authorities said. The boy’s father called 911.

Severe neglect and malnutrition are believed to be factors in Jahmeik’s death, sources said.

Ragsdale’s other three children, who are all under the age of 10, were also taken to the hospital to be checked out, according to authorities.

Clergy and community activists said a prayer for Jahmeik on Monday evening. Ragsdale appeared to be down on her luck and never wanted to take any handouts, neighbors said.

“We can’t bring this 4-year-old child back, but what we can do is some prevention,” said Dr. Iesha Sekou, of Street Corner Resources . “We can begin to talk to each other in the neighborhood, do more engagement, talk to the people in the barbershop, the beauty salon, the corner store.”

Ragsdale could appear in front of a judge as soon as Tuesday.

If you know someone who is struggling, here are some resources:

• USDA National Hunger Hotline : 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (para español)
• Text the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 914-415-6617 with a question containing the words food, summer, or meals for resources near you.
• National Parent Hotline : 1-855-4-A-PARENT
• HRA ’s Emergency Food Hotline: 866-888-8777
• Child Welfare Information Gateway
• Shelter or Temporary Housing Assistance: 3-1-1

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.

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