Parents Charged with Murder in Harlem Starvation

The tragic death of 4-year-old Jahmeik Modlin in Harlem has led to murder charges against his parents, Nytavia Ragsdale and Laron Modlin, who allegedly starved him and his siblings over two years. Jahmeik was found severely malnourished, weighing only 19 pounds, and died shortly after being taken to the hospital. Investigations revealed that the parents kept food inaccessible to the children by turning the refrigerator against the wall and securing cabinets with zip ties, while the apartment was in squalid conditions. The siblings, aged 5, 6, and 7, remain hospitalized for malnutrition, displaying limited motor skills and severe neglect. The case has sparked outrage and calls for an investigation into the role of child protective services, as Ragsdale's family cited her mental health and domestic violence issues. District Attorney Alvin Bragg described the boy's death as a 'tragedy that has scarred this city,' highlighting a systemic failure to protect vulnerable children.