Charges upgraded for dad, girlfriend in child's starving death after evidence of severe torture found

WEST CALN TOWNSHIP, Pa. (TCN) -- A 52-year-old father and his 45-year-old girlfriend face upgraded charges in connection with the starving death of a young child after investigators found evidence of yearslong torture and abuse.

According to the Chester County District Attorney's Office, on May 4, Rendall Hoagland called 911 to report that his daughter, 12-year-old Malinda Hoagland, had struck a tree while riding her bike. Prosecutors said officers responded to the scene on Reid Road and noticed "something was gravely wrong with Malinda."

Malinda Hoagland was transported to Paoli Hospital Trauma Center. Medical staff noticed she was extremely emaciated, weighed 50 pounds, and had multiple bruises and broken bones. According to prosecutors, the girl's organs were failing, and she died during surgery that evening.

An autopsy determined she died of starvation and multiple blunt force injuries. In total, the victim had reportedly sustained 75 bruises, contusions, ulcers, and pressure sores.

Further investigation revealed that in November and early December 2023, Malinda Hoagland reportedly enrolled in a home cyber school and was pulled out of public school. Authorities said the child had 25 unexcused absences in 2023 and 10 excused ones. The girl's teachers reportedly checked in on her often.

According to the district attorney's office, investigators uncovered home surveillance footage revealing the victim ankle cuffed to furniture and being "verbally berated" via an in-camera speaker by Rendell Hoagland and his girlfriend, Cindy Warren. Prosecutors said Rendell Hoagland and Warren were also seen on surveillance footage forcing the child to do strenuous exercise while she was still shackled.

Evidence showed the defendants allegedly punished Malinda Hoagland for "infractions like forgetting chores or schoolwork, 'stealing' food, not smiling during school sessions over Zoom, and urinating herself while cuffed to furniture."

The district attorney's office said Rendell Hoagland and his girlfriend messaged each other about hiding the girl's injuries from family members and mandated reporters.

Warren's 9-year-old son was reportedly in the home but unharmed.

Detectives initially arrested the couple on May 6 on charges of attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, kidnapping, and other related charges.

Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said investigators uncovered "text messages and hundreds of videos" showing the couple "engaged in a calculated and systematic method of terrorizing, manipulating, and dehumanizing Malinda."

De Barrena-Sarobe also said, "Information from the Coroner’s Office and medical experts demonstrates a yearslong pattern of extensive torture and abuse."

On July 25, the district attorney's office announced upgraded charges against the couple, including first-degree murder, second-degree murder, third-degree murder, involuntary servitude, and other additional charges.

Hoagland and Warren remain held in the Chester County Prison without bail. Prosecutors will pursue the death penalty.

According to WCAU-TV, Warren was sentenced in 2009 for a separate child abuse case. She reportedly lied about her then-husband abusing her son and stepdaughter.

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