Pa. Couple Shackled 12-Year-Old Daughter to Furniture and Denied Her Food. She Died Weighing 50 lbs.: D.A.

Liam Quinn
·2 min read

Malinda Hoagland was taken to the hospital on May 4, where she died

<p>Chester County District Attorney</p> Malinda Hoagland

Chester County District Attorney

Malinda Hoagland

After a 12-year-old Pennsylvania girl was found emaciated and later died in a hospital, her father and his girlfriend are charged with kidnapping and could potentially face murder charges.

The Chester County District Attorney says that on May 4, Rendell Hoagland called 911 to report that his daughter, Malinda Hoagland, was unconscious. First responders brought Malinda to the hospital, where it was discovered that she was emaciated, weighed 50 lbs. and had several broken bones, prosecutors say. She died while being treated.

Authorities say an investigation found that Malinda had been pulled out of school in late 2023 and “shifted to a home cyber school.”

After searching the phones of Rendell and his girlfriend, Cindy Warren, police found videos of Malinda shackled to furniture and being berated by both defendants over a speaker system, prosecutors allege. Rendell and Warren are also accused of punishing Malinda by making her do “strenuous physical exercise,” and sometimes denying her food, according to prosecutors.

<p>Chester County District Attorney</p> Rendell Hoagland, left, and Cindy Warren

Chester County District Attorney

Rendell Hoagland, left, and Cindy Warren

“Malinda was subjected to evil and torment that no child should ever have to endure,” Chester County District Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe said. “I am grateful to every first responder and law enforcement officer who has worked tirelessly on this case. Together we will get justice for Malinda.”

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Rendell Hoagland and Warren are both charged with attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, kidnapping as well as other related charges, according to prosecutors, who add that both could be charged with murder depending on what further medical evidence reveals.

It is not immediately clear if either defendant has entered a plea or retained an attorney. Both are being held on $1 million bail.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

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