A Pennsylvania girl who was the centerpiece of a November episode of “The Steve Wilkos Show,” passed away Friday, following an alleged brutal beating by her mother’s boyfriend.
ABC 16 reports that the family of 3-year-old Arabella Parker took her off of life support earlier this week. She had been in critical condition for almost a month after Jahrid Burgess, 19, allegedly stomped on her stomach, kicked her, and punched her. The incident occurred at a home in Treverton, on October 10, according to police.
First responders rushed Arabella to the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, where she remained on life support until Wednesday. Doctors said half of the girl’s brain had to be removed due to the severity of the beating.
Burgess is also accused of beating the child’s mother, identified as 23-year-old Samantha Delcamp. Later, authorities arrested Delcamp and charged her with felony child neglect. Authorities alleged that Delcamp did nothing to stop her boyfriend from beating her child.
According to The Daily Item, Burgess denied harming Anabella. He reportedly claimed that although he hit Delcamp, he never beat the little girl.
“Yes, I hit Samantha, but I did not do all of these things to Arabella.”
Burgess claimed he left home for work on October 10, while Arabella stayed behind with Decamp. He said Decamp was frustrated when he left because she didn’t have any marijuana.
Burgess said he returned home that night and had steak sandwiches and cheeseburgers for dinner. He claimed Decamp got upset when Arabella refused to eat and in turn, picked the little girl up and threw her.
“She picked her (Arabella) up and threw her across the room where Arabella hit part of the couch and landed on the floor where she hit her head,” Burgess told the outlet.
Arabella began having a seizure, according to Burgess, who said he called his mother, Christy Willis, for help. Willis arrived at Burgess’ home and called 911.
Posted by Jahrid Burgess on Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Willis was eventually charged with failure to report the incident after it took almost an hour before first responders were alerted.
Decamp appeared on “The Steve Wilkos Show” and claimed she saw Burgess abuse her daughter several times prior to the latest incident. Decamp said she was terrified of Burgess, which prevented her from seeking help.
“My daughter and I both wouldn’t be alive,” Decamp told Wilkos, explaining why she didn’t contact authorities and report Burgess.
Burgess disagreed.
“She could have left at any time,” Burgess told The Daily Item. “I hit her a few times, yes, but I did not do all of these things she is saying.”
Police charged Burgess with felony aggravated assault and strangulation. He remains behind bars and says he fears for his safety in jail because of the nature of his charges.
Authorities will likely upgrade Burgess’ charges. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Arabella Parker/Handout]
