Mooresville, North Carolina — A 3-month-old baby died after suffering severe malnutrition and dehydration, and her parents are now facing first-degree murder charges following an investigation into her death.

Kendal Lee Hayes, 34, and Glenn John Delgreco II, 33, were indicted this week in connection with the infant’s death, according to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators said the baby had lost approximately one-third of her body weight since birth and showed significant signs of medical distress before she died.

The case began on May 13, when deputies responded to a home on the 1000 block of Brawley School Road in Mooresville after receiving a report of an unresponsive infant.

Baby Rushed to Hospital After Deputies Respond

First responders performed CPR on the infant at the home before rushing her to a hospital. Despite those efforts, the baby died.

Detectives with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office subsequently investigated the circumstances surrounding her condition and death. According to investigators, the infant had suffered from severe malnourishment and dehydration.

Authorities said the baby had lost roughly one-third of her weight since birth.

Investigators also alleged that the child had displayed significant and apparent signs of medical distress, but that necessary medical attention was not sought before her death.

The infant’s name has not been publicly released.

Autopsy Determines Cause of Death

An autopsy conducted through Wake Forest Medical Center provided additional findings in the investigation.

Medical examiners determined that the infant died from severe protein-calorie malnutrition due to caregiver neglect, according to the sheriff’s office. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.

The autopsy findings were later presented as part of the evidence to an Iredell County grand jury. The investigation ultimately led to first-degree murder indictments against Hayes and Delgreco.

The parents had previously been charged with felony child abuse and aiding and abetting in connection with the case. They were served with the new murder indictments at the Iredell County Detention Center.

Grandparents Also Face Charges

The infant’s parents were not the only adults living at the Mooresville residence.

According to investigators, the baby’s grandparents, Alice Loraine Evans and Thomas Virgil Evans, also lived in the home. Authorities said all four adults shared responsibility for the infant’s care, well-being and safety.

Evans and Evans were also charged with felony child abuse and aiding and abetting. They were jailed following the charges but have since been released after posting $100,000 bonds, according to court records.

The grandparents are not facing the first-degree murder charges brought against the baby’s parents.

Neighbor Describes Children Seen at Home

The circumstances surrounding the home also emerged during interviews with local media.

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Neighbor Paul Zawada told that he had not known about the baby but had seen other children around the property.

“They would have little kids running around in this lot out here,” Zawada said. “Half the time they wouldn’t have clothes on.”

His comments came as investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding the infant’s care. Authorities have not released additional details about the baby’s condition before emergency responders arrived.

Parents Remain in Jail Without Bond

Hayes and Delgreco remain in the Iredell County Detention Center without bond, according to the latest information released by authorities. Their next court appearances are scheduled for Oct. 26.

The murder indictments follow months of investigation into the infant’s death, including the examination of medical evidence and the circumstances surrounding the child’s care.

The sheriff’s office said detectives determined that the infant was not provided necessary medical treatment despite signs of serious distress.

What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking case? Share your reaction in the comments, and let us know how you think cases involving vulnerable children should be handled when serious neglect is suspected.