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Pa. couple charged in death of malnourished infant son

GREENVILLE — A couple charged with homicide in the death of their 2-month-old son told police they fed the infant just 2 ounces of formula a day and left him outside in near-freezing temperatures at the suggestion of a relative because he was having trouble breathing.

Michael Rabold, 24, and Royanne Darr, 22, were arrested Wednesday and charged additionally with endangering the welfare of children for also failing to feed their 15-month-old son. They have yet another son who is 2.

Two-month-old Isaac Rabold died of malnutrition and dehydration Jan. 17, Erie pathologist Dr. Eric Vey ruled. The boy also suffered from hypothermia, bed sores, deterioration of the hair follicles and a pervasive rash at the time of his death, he said.

The couple was being held in the Mercer County jail without bond. A preliminary hearing was set for Wednesday.

Greenville-West Salem Township police said Isaac weighed about 6 pounds, 12 ounces, when he was born two months premature. At the time of his death, the infant weight just 6 pounds, 1 ounce.

The night the baby died, Rabold called his mother for help because he noticed Isaac was having difficulty breathing. Rabold told police he put the baby on the front porch for about a half-hour at his mother's recommendation, even though the temperature was in the 30s, police said.

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