Parents of a 4-year-old were found starving in Harlem and charged with murder and abusing other three children, prosecutors said

HARLEM (WABC) – The parents of the 4-year-old found starving in Harlem have been charged with murder in his death.

Nytavia Ragsdale, 26, and Laron Modlin, 25, were originally charged with manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office added second-degree murder.

Authorities said the parents denied their four children access to food in their home for two years while they bought food for themselves daily.

According to court documents, the apartment had a working refrigerator full of fresh produce, but it was turned so that the door faced the wall and could not be opened.

Court documents also said each cabinet containing food had a zip tie on the handle.

Jah’Meik Modlin weighed 19 pounds when he died.

Officials said Jah’Meik and his siblings arrived at the hospital with layers of dirt on their skin and feces caked in their hair.

Officials said his three siblings, who remain hospitalized for malnutrition, exhibited very limited fine motor skills and were unable to hold utensils or feed themselves.

* Get eyewitness news

* Follow us on YouTube

* More local news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Do you have a breaking news tip or idea for a story we should cover? Submit it to Eyewitness News using the form below. The terms of use apply to attaching a video or photo.