ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – New details have emerged in the investigation of a St. Petersburg couple already facing charges for the death of a one-month-old infant.
On Wednesday, detectives filed additional charges against 21-year-old Gabriella Daniels and 20-year-old Ashton Kurant after uncovering evidence of the “unlawful caging” and neglect of a second child in their care.
The new charges—Aggravated Child Abuse and Child Neglect—stem from the treatment of a 15-month-old girl. According to investigators, the toddler was kept in a playpen for such extended periods that she developed significant diaper rashes and sores on her legs and feet. Police described the living conditions as “filthy,” noting that the child’s mattress was soaked in urine and infested with living insects.
The 15-month-old has since been removed from the home and is now receiving care in a safe environment.
READ: St. Petersburg Couple Behind Bars After One-Month-Old Baby’s Tragic Death
This update follows the couple’s initial arrest last Thursday, April 16, in connection with the death of a one-month-old boy. In that case, the infant was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.
Medical staff and police discovered the boy had suffered multiple lacerations and bruising along his hairline. Court documents revealed that the Department of Children and Families (DCF) had seen the boy just six days prior and found no signs of injury at that time.
Ashton Kurant reportedly told police he was under the influence of marijuana while caring for the children and provided inconsistent timelines regarding their care.
Both Daniels and Kurant remain in custody as the investigation continues. Authorities indicated that even more charges could be filed once the final autopsy results for the infant are completed.
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