Tragic Death of 7-Year-Old Girl: Parents Arrested for Murder After Disturbing Abuse Details Emerge
New information has emerged regarding the tragic death of a 7-year-old girl in Oklahoma, who was found with her mouth glued shut and suffering from severe malnutrition.In August, police in Midwest City responded to a call at a local hospital around 11:30 a.m., where the child was brought in wrapped in a blanket by her parents.
Medical staff quickly observed that the girl showed signs of rigor mortis and had both internal and external injuries. She was severely malnourished, weighing only 25 pounds.
Reports indicate that the father, Anthony Yonko, 38, told authorities he and the child’s mother, Lisa Mitchell, 30, were at their apartment on East Reno. According to Yonko, after falling asleep, he found the child unresponsive upon waking. Investigators noted that Yonko changed his story multiple times during the investigation.
Conversely, Mitchell claimed they took the child to the hospital because she was unwell. Both parents were arrested at the hospital and charged with murder.
Following further investigation, the child’s aunt and uncle, David Yonko and Tiffany Mitchell, were also arrested on charges of child neglect and aggravated abuse. Tiffany allegedly told police that Lisa and David would pour hot food on the girl’s body, glue her mouth shut to prevent her from screaming, and tie her up, leaving her in a crib for weeks.
All four individuals are currently in custody.