Behind closed doors: Bronx mother, grandmother accused of starving disabled teen to death
Detectives were called to Lincoln Hospital Pediatrics on March 19 about the suspicious death of 16-year-old Adonis Jarvis. The NYPD says the teen was severely malnourished and had developmental disabilities.
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Authorities say a 16-year-old boy with disabilities died after enduring months of alleged neglect and starvation in his family's third-floor apartment at 527 E. 147th St. His mother and grandmother are accused of causing his death.
Police arrested 36-year-old Geneva Jarvis and 62-year-old Denise Jarvis Thursday morning. Prosecutors have charged both women with murder in connection with the death of Adonis Jarvis.
According to investigators, doctors at Lincoln Hospital alerted police to what they believed was a suspicious death after noticing Adonis appeared severely malnourished on March 19.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later ruled Adonis’ death a homicide, according to investigators.
Neighbors said they never suspected anything was wrong inside the apartment.
“For me it was normal… two normal ladies,” one neighbor said. “Nothing that seemed off.”
The building’s superintendent said the women were raising children with special needs inside the apartment, where trash could be seen scattered throughout after investigators entered.
Detectives escorted the defendants from the NYPD’s 40th Precinct into custody Thursday morning. They are awaiting arraignment in Bronx Criminal Court.
Neighbors also told News 12 that Adonis has a brother. Police have not released any information about his condition.
