A Missouri woman has been charged following the death of her 20-month-old daughter and the severe malnourishment of another child in the home, according to police and court records.
Authorities say St. Louis police were called to a residence on June 14 after 29-year-old Sausha Myers reported that one of her children was unresponsive and having difficulty breathing.
When officers arrived, they found two young girls in critical condition and showing signs of severe neglect. The younger child, 20-month-old Sky, was transported to hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Court documents indicate she weighed approximately 10 pounds and showed signs consistent with prolonged malnutrition.
Her 3-year-old sister, Star, was also taken to hospital in serious condition. Police reported that she was severely underweight and exhibited medical indicators consistent with long-term nutritional deprivation.
Investigators said neither child had received medical care in over a year. According to court filings, Myers acknowledged she was the primary caregiver and that the children had not been developing properly.
Authorities also stated that the younger child’s diet reportedly consisted largely of yogurt and fruit and vegetable pouches, with investigators estimating her daily intake at roughly 250 calories, significantly below recommended levels for toddlers.
Relatives told local media they had lost contact with Myers in the years leading up to the incident and had been unable to locate her despite attempts to reach her. Family members also said they were caring for other children in the family.
Myers has been charged with two counts of child abuse and neglect resulting in serious physical injury. The case remains under investigation.
