PARENTS CHARGED AFTER NEWBORN BABY ALLEGEDLY KILLED INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA HOSPITAL MATERNITY WARD
- May 20
- 1 min read
Authorities in Berks County have charged two parents after investigators say their 1-day-old baby suffered fatal injuries inside a Pennsylvania hospital maternity ward earlier this month.
According to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office, 28-year-old Kevin Canaan of Reading and 25-year-old Yeniffer Tavarez-Cepeda of New York City are facing:
Criminal Homicide
Aggravated Assault
Endangering the Welfare of a Child
Investigators say the infant boy was born on May 2 at Tower Health Reading Hospital in West Reading.
Authorities allege the baby suffered “multiple traumatic injuries” while alone with his parents in the maternity ward between routine wellness checks by hospital staff.
The newborn was later flown to Penn State Hershey Medical Center for emergency treatment but died the following day.
According to investigators, forensic pathologists determined the injuries were consistent with physical abuse, and the infant’s death was ruled a homicide.
Officials also allege the parents observed the baby in obvious medical distress but failed to alert hospital staff.
Both suspects were arrested Tuesday in Reading and arraigned at the Berks County Courthouse.
The investigation remains ongoing.
