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In Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, Layla Souders and her boyfriend, Jose Melendez-Padilla, face additional charges related to the death of Souders' four-month-old baby, Ioni Souders. Prosecutors upgraded Souders' charge from third-degree to first-degree murder, while Melendez-Padilla faces new charges, including involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child.
The couple was initially charged following the baby's death at Harrisburg Hospital on March 28, after police responded to a call about a child in cardiac arrest. According to Local21News, Melendez-Padilla reported that the baby had a seizure while he was feeding her, and he attempted CPR before calling 911. However, an autopsy revealed multiple traumatic injuries, including brain, neck, and chest injuries, leading to the ruling of homicide.
Court documents reveal that Souders was aware of the ongoing abuse but did not seek medical help for the baby. She initially claimed the injuries were accidental but later admitted to fabricating her story. Local21News reports that text messages between the couple showed Melendez-Padilla's hostility towards the child.
Melendez-Padilla, who is in the U.S. illegally, also faces charges of first-degree murder, child endangerment, and forgery. Both remain in Dauphin County Prison without bail. Their next court appearance is scheduled for October.