Two North Carolina parents have been indicted on first-degree murder charges following the death of their 3-month-old daughter, who allegedly starved to death after losing one-third of her weight since birth. Kendal Lee Hayes, 34, and Glenn John Delgreco II, 33, are accused of severe caregiver neglect that resulted in the infant’s death from protein-calorie malnutrition, according to the Iredell County Sheriff's Office.
Background
The investigation began on May 13 when deputies responded to a home in the 1000 block of Brawley School Road in Mooresville, located approximately 30 miles north of Charlotte. Officers arrived to find the infant unresponsive. First responders performed CPR at the scene and rushed the baby to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Detectives determined that the infant had suffered from "severe malnourishment and dehydration" and had shown signs of "significant distress" prior to her collapse. Authorities allege that the parents never sought medical attention for the child despite these visible indicators. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as severe protein-calorie malnutrition due to caregiver neglect, with the manner of death officially ruled a homicide.
Neighbors reported seeing other children at the residence who appeared neglected. Paul Zawada, a neighbor, told local ABC affiliate WSOC that he had observed other kids at the property running around the lot, sometimes without clothes, though he was unaware of the infant’s presence until the incident.
The Charges
Hayes and Delgreco were initially charged in May with child abuse and aiding and abetting. Following further investigation, a grand jury indicted them on Tuesday for first-degree murder. The indictment marks a significant escalation in the legal proceedings against the parents.
Also facing charges in connection with the case are the child’s grandparents, Alice Loraine Evans and Thomas Virgil Evans, who lived in the home where the infant died. Records indicate the grandparents are facing the same charges as the parents. Unlike the parents, the grandparents have posted $100,000 bonds and have been released from custody.
Hayes and Delgreco remain detained at the Iredell County Detention Center without bond. The specific name of the deceased infant has not been released to the public, respecting privacy standards for minor victims.
Key Takeaways
- Kendal Lee Hayes and Glenn John Delgreco II are charged with first-degree murder following the death of their 3-month-old daughter.
- The infant died from severe protein-calorie malnutrition due to caregiver neglect, having lost one-third of her birth weight.
- Authorities allege the parents failed to seek medical attention despite the child showing signs of significant distress.
- The child’s grandparents, Alice Loraine Evans and Thomas Virgil Evans, face similar charges but have posted $100,000 bonds.
- The parents are being held without bond at the Iredell County Detention Center.
What's Next
The case is scheduled for its next court appearance on Oct. 26. Prosecutors in Iredell County will proceed with the first-degree murder charges against the parents, while the grandparents await their own legal proceedings following their release on bond. The investigation into the conditions of the home and the timeline of the infant’s decline is expected to feature prominently in upcoming hearings.
Bottom Line
The indictment of the parents for first-degree murder underscores the severity of the alleged neglect, transforming a tragic medical emergency into a high-stakes homicide case involving the entire household.