A New York man accused of starving his 4-year-old son to death wants to be placed in protective custody as other inmates have attacked him.
Laron Modlin, 25, and Nytavia Ragsdale, 26, are charged with killing their son, Jah’Meik Modlin, who reportedly died last month weighing 19 pounds. Modlin’s attorneys said that other inmates at Rikers have attacked Modlin on at least two instances since his arrest, according to WPIX.
Modlin and Ragsdale allegedly starved their four children for years while eating fresh food daily. WPIX reported that the fridge was filled with food but it was turned to the wall so the children could not access it.
The surviving children, ages 5, 6, and 7, are reportedly recovering and are regaining their motor skills. Prosecutors said the children had not seen a doctor in two years and were not in school.
Modlin and Ragsdale are charged with murder, manslaughter, assault, and criminally negligent homicide. Modlin pleaded not guilty to the charges on Wednesday.
Modlin and Ragsdale are due back in court on December 18.
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[Feature Photo: WNBC video screengrab]
