Pennsylvania Parents Arrested for Alleged Neglect of Premature Twins

A Pennsylvania couple has been charged with child endangerment after their premature twins were found dangerously malnourished, gaining weight only after being removed from their care.

A Pennsylvania couple is facing serious charges after authorities discovered their prematurely born twins were severely underweight and allegedly not receiving proper nutrition at home.

Courtney Soyka, 32, and Marcus Maddela, 45, of Bristol Township, were arrested earlier this week and charged with two counts each of felony child endangerment and conspiracy, according to the Bucks County District Attorney's Office.

Alarming Signs of Neglect

The investigation into Soyka and Maddela began in December 2024, when the Bucks County Township received a referral from the Department of Children and Youth regarding concerns about the Police Department's newborn twins' health.

The babies were born on October 7, 2024, arriving about two months early with low birth weights of 4.1 and 3.7 pounds. Due to their fragile condition, both infants were placed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) until they were deemed stable enough to go home with their parents.

However, in the weeks following their discharge, troubling signs emerged. The couple missed four scheduled medical appointments, which is crucial for monitoring the babies' growth and ensuring they thrive outside hospital care.

A Disturbing Discovery

On December 11, Soyka finally brought the twins back to the hospital. Medical personnel were alarmed at their condition, noting that they appeared highly underweight for their age.

"When the babies returned to the hospital, each one was under the first percentile for their age," officials stated. Due to their critical condition, the infants were immediately transferred to St. Christopher's Hospital in Philadelphia for further care.

Doctors soon made a startling observation: within three days of being in the hospital, the twins began gaining weight much faster than they had at home.

Medical Experts Point to Neglect

A physician overseeing their treatment concluded that the infants' previous failure to gain weight was consistent with insufficient caloric intake at home. This assessment strongly suggested that the parents had not provided the necessary nutrition for their babies' survival.

Authorities say the evidence points to a pattern of severe neglect, leading to the couple's arrest and felony charges.

What's Next?

As the case unfolds, Soyka and Maddela face serious legal consequences for allegedly putting their children's lives at risk. The twins remain in medical care, and authorities will determine the best course of action for their future well-being.

This case highlights the importance of early intervention and regular medical check-ups for vulnerable infants, especially those born prematurely.

Stay connected for more updates on this developing case and other true crime stories.