Police tape

Parents accused of starving, beating 7-week-old daughter to death

A Washington, D.C., couple were arrested on Friday after authorities determined that their 7-week-old daughter who died last Christmas succumbed to broken ribs and extreme malnutrition.

Trischelle Jabore, 26, and Jay Crowder, 33, are facing first-degree murder charges for the death of Trinity Jabore. According to a police report obtained by WTOP, the pair called 911 Christmas morning to report that the infant was experiencing a medical issue. The 7-week-old, who was unresponsive when paramedics arrived, was transported to a hospital where staff were unable to revive her, according to the Washington D.C. Patch.

The medical examiner concluded in April that Trinity not only died from low sodium levels and malnutrition: investigators revealed that blunt force trauma to the abdomen was listed as a secondary cause of death.

An arrest affidavit obtained by The Washington Post alleged that Trinity lived in a Southwest D.C. apartment with her three siblings, ages 15 months, 5 and 8. The residence was supposedly full of dirty dishes, cigarette butts, trash, and had evidence of drug use. The affidavit also alleged that the girl tested positive for marijuana, according to The Post.

Trinity was born on November 6 and weighed 4 pounds, 11 ounces when she was discharged from the hospital. The baby weighed 4 pounds, 4 ounces at her time of death, WRC-TV reported.

Though the hospital provided the parents with formula, the pair subsequently fed the newborn condensed milk mixed with water. The report noted that Trischelle was unable to breastfeed. Police alleged that the house was full of food that the baby couldn’t eat. They also claimed that the couple spent $450 on groceries on December 2—$12.99 of which went to a 23-ounce box of baby formula.

Crowder reportedly told police that he intended to be a good father but parenthood didn’t come with instructions.

Trischelle and Crowder are being held without bond. A hearing is scheduled for May 22.