Chesco Parents Severely Neglected Emaciated Son, 'Near Fatality': DA

WEST CHESTER, PA — A Chester County couple severely neglected their child, failing to feed him and provide basic medical care, the district attorney's office said. The boy was severely underweight, had serious dental decay, and was classified by doctors as a "near fatality," according to officials.

Leticia Cox, 59, the boy's mother, has been charged with aggravated assault, while both she and the father, Mark Cox Sr., 59, of West Chester, have been charged with endangering the welfare of children, and related counts.

A ChildLine report was made on April 15 reporting the mistreatment of the 16-year-old child, police said.

He was brought that day into a healthcare office for a routine physical where the doctor found he weighed only 74 pounds, had sunken eyes, and was nervous and reluctant, according to authorities.

The child's mother, Leticia Cox, brought the boy to the appointment and told caregivers that she wanted to "reestablish care" for the boy, the DA said.

Investigators found through phone records that the parents were aware of the child's failing health for a while but still failed to seek help. Because the child was homeschooled, he had almost no contact with anyone outside of the family, according to officials.

The next day, April 16, he was brought to Chester County Hospital for further care. Police said that although he was covered by his parents' medical insurance, there was no evidence he had ever seen a doctor or a dentist before, authorities said.

“Unlike many people who struggle to provide for their children, (the parents) had every resource available to them," DA Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe said in a statement. "Instead of seeking medical care, ignored their legal and moral responsibilities and prolonged this child’s suffering until he was on the brink of death.”

An hours-long preliminary hearing this week resulted in all charges against the parents being held for trial. The case has been assigned to the Chester County Court of Common Pleas, and the date of the next hearing is forthcoming.

If you have concerns about a child's care or safety, call 911 and call Childline at 1-800-932-0313.