A Baltimore couple is behind bars after their emaciated 5-year-old daughter died earlier this week.
Officers responded to Bernice and Gerald Byrd’s home at around 11 p.m. Tuesday over reports of an unresponsive child.
The emaciated girl, later identified as Zona, had visible signs of trauma, and her death was deemed “questionable.”
Neither parent could tell detectives when they last saw Zona alive but Bernice pointed out that the girl and her older brother were involved in an argument on Friday.
The 32-year-old mother also stated that Zona complained of a headache but no treatment had been sought.
Charging documents said that the girl was in a severely emaciated state with her ribs clearly visible.
The father allegedly told police Zona and her older brother had gone through the trash looking for something to eat.
Three other neglected and malnourished children were removed from the home. One of the children was hospitalized.
Investigators found no food in the refrigerator but the freezer was packed with meat. Food was found in the parents’ bedroom closet, away from the children.
“It’s hurtful. I can’t imagine anything like that happening to kids, or for anyone for that matter,” said Civic Works program manager Chris Ross.
“That’s inhumane. I urge everyone to check on neighbors, friends,” a neighbor added.
