A Maryland couple is facing charges over the tragic death of a 5-year-old girl who was brought unresponsive to a DC hospital on August 18.
Pradeline Delinois was visibly underweight, covered in bruises, and wearing a soiled diaper when she arrived at the hospital.
Doctors determined that Pradeline had extensive injuries including broken ribs and determined that she had been abused.
Authorities ruled the girl’s death a homicide and arrested her father, Pradel Delinois, and stepmother, Ornelie Charles on charges of child abuse resulting in death and neglect.
Two other children of the couple told detectives that Charles used to beat Pradeline and had done so within days before her death.
“It is absolutely heartbreaking for us to see something like this occur. This type of tragedy is unacceptable,” Cpt. Antonia Washington said.
