Heartbreaking Neglect: Children Starved, Leading to Tragic Death

Two parents in Maryland were arrested for allowing their children to starve, resulting in the death of their 5-year-old child, Zona Byrd, due to malnourishment. Bernice Byrd and Gerald Byrd pleaded guilty to first-degree child abuse in connection to Zona's death.

State's Attorney Ivan Bates condemned the couple's actions, stating that justice was served. He expressed that the parents would have to live with the knowledge of their child's murder and emphasized the safety of Zona's siblings, who were also victims of their parents' actions.

On October 14, 2024, Zona was found unresponsive and cold in her bed at their home in Baltimore. She was pronounced dead upon arrival. Authorities discovered other emaciated children at the scene and took them to Johns Hopkins Medical Center for evaluation.

Zona's autopsy revealed severe malnourishment, with her weighing only 17.5 pounds. The investigation uncovered an absence of food in the home, with empty cupboards and minimal provisions in the refrigerator and freezer.

Related: Parents Arrested After 5-Month-Old Dies in Suspected Child Abuse Case

In a separate incident, a couple in Union, South Carolina, was arrested following the death of their 5-month-old son due to alleged neglect and abuse. The mother and father are believed to have mistreated the infant, leading to his passing.

Bernice and Gerald kept limited food items locked away in their home, and during questioning, they could not account for when they last fed Zona. One surviving child was found searching for food in school trash bins, highlighting the dire conditions at home.

The parents face a life sentence for their involvement in Zona's death and await sentencing on June 10. Doctors and detectives noted the surviving children's rapid and intense consumption of food upon being provided meals after the incident.