Police have made another arrest in the case of 4-year-old Jahmeik Modlin, who died after being found unconscious in his West Harlem home. The NYPD has now taken the child’s father into custody.
Officers from the 32nd Precinct arrested the boy’s father on Tuesday. Although his charges have not yet been released, this arrest follows the earlier detainment of the child’s mother, 26-year-old Nytavia Ragsdale. She has been charged with criminally negligent homicide and endangering the welfare of a child.
Outside the apartment building where Modlin lived, a growing memorial honors the young boy. Neighbors have been visiting, leaving flowers, candles and stuffed animals to pay their respects. Modlin was found inside his home at 2484 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. on Sunday night. He was rushed to Harlem Hospital but did not survive.
Fred Jenkins, a Harlem resident, expressed his sorrow. “It’s just sad, real sad. If you can’t take care of the child, you should give it to the authorities so that they can take care of the child. Don’t let it just die,” said Jenkins.
News 12 New York reached out to the Administration for Children’s Services for further comment. In a statement, an ACS spokesperson said, “The safety and well-being of New York City’s children is our top priority. We are investigating this incident with the NYPD.” However, due to state law, ACS cannot share whether the family had any previous involvement with the agency.
The NYPD said the investigation is ongoing.