MIDWEST CITY, Okla. — Tragedy struck on Friday when a 7-year-old child, severely malnourished and dead, was brought to Saint Anthony’s Midwest Hospital by their parents. Authorities have arrested the parents, Anthony Yonko, 38, and Lisa Mitchell, 30, and charged them with murder in connection with the child’s death.
According to police, the child was brought to the hospital around 11:30 a.m., with the mother holding the child wrapped in a blanket. Medical personnel soon noted signs of rigor mortis, as well as possible internal and external injuries. A disturbing detail from the police affidavit revealed that dark secretions came from the child’s mouth when pressure was applied to the stomach.
Further investigation revealed that the child was extremely malnourished, weighing only 25 pounds and standing at about 37 inches tall—far below the healthy weight for a child of that age.
Yonko initially told police that he had gone to sleep the previous night without Mitchell, and upon waking, found the child unresponsive. However, police say Yonko’s story changed several times. He later claimed that Mitchell, her sister, and other children were present during the night, but he was unable to explain why the child appeared so unhealthy.
Mitchell allegedly told authorities that the child had been sick with the flu, which she said was the reason for the child not moving on the morning of the incident.
According to police, Yonko’s brother also spoke to him that morning and rushed the family to the hospital. After dropping them off, Yonko’s brother left the scene, fearing for his safety and needing to go to work.
Both Anthony Yonko and Lisa Mitchell were arrested and charged with murder in connection with the tragic death of their child. Authorities are continuing to investigate, but no further details have been released at this time.