Amy and Drew Hoenigke: Home-birth parents charged after newborn dies without medical care in Pennsylvania
MILDRED, PENNSYLVANIA: Amy Hoenigke and Drew Hoenigke, a couple who moved to rural Sullivan County to lead a "simple life," have been accused of manslaughter in relation to the death of their newborn boy in January.
The Hoenigkes of Cherry Township in the region of Mildred were charged with involuntary manslaughter on Monday, December 19, and committed to custody in lieu of a $150,000 bond. Brigitte Meckes of North Lawrence, New York, who attended the birth and acknowledged attempting to save the child's life, is additionally charged. Pennsylvania State Police, who visited the residence on January 20, found the infant had died three days prior, but the parents allegedly held off on calling authorities for fear of having their two-year-old taken away. The baby was discovered dead in a wooden bassinet in an upstairs bedroom, according to cops. The parents informed the troopers that their son was born in the residence on January 14.
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Attorney General Josh Shapiro stated, "These individuals neglected their responsibilities to care for an innocent child. By failing to get him appropriate medical care, this baby needlessly suffered and died. Terrible tragedies like these can be prevented."
The attorney general claims that Brigette Meckes, a family friend of the Hoenigkes, was present to assist with the birth. Meckes had professional expertise in medicine but lacked the necessary credentials to provide medical care.
The newborn displayed acute suffering soon after birth and the defendants' messages described him as having trouble breathing and "turning blue," according to NorthCentralPA. Amy and Meckes allegedly tried to help the baby by using a water bottle as a makeshift breathing tube and a peppermint oil infuser.
Police stated that the infant died without receiving necessary medical attention about two days after birth. Experts claimed that when the newborn started exhibiting symptoms of discomfort and difficulty breathing, the caregivers should have contacted an ambulance right away. The defendants' inaction caused the infant unnecessary suffering and made survival impossible, according to experts.
Charges against Amy, 34, Drew, 31, and Meckes, 47, include aggravated assault, reckless endangerment of another person, endangering the welfare of minors, and involuntary manslaughter.