‘Child torture’ | Children kept in home for two years, one forced to live in ‘crib cage,’ DA says – WGAL

York County Child Abuse Case Report

Overview

In York County, Pennsylvania, a mother, grandmother, and uncle have been charged with severe child abuse and neglect involving two children over a period of two years. This case highlights critical concerns related to child welfare and aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Gruesome Details of the Abuse

In March 2024, investigators discovered two children, aged 5 and 6, living in deplorable conditions at a residence on Cassel Road in Etters, York County.

1. Living Conditions:
   • The 6-year-old boy was confined in a “crib cage” filled with urine and fecal matter. This homemade cage was constructed using stacked cribs, ratchet straps, zip ties, locking mechanisms, and the child was restrained with a wrist device connected to a leash.
   • The 5-year-old girl was restrained in a car seat for 20 to 23 hours daily.
2. Health and Developmental Impact:
   • Both children were severely malnourished and suffered developmental delays.
   • Neither child was potty-trained.
   • The girl exhibited significant dental decay requiring extensive reconstruction.
3. Official Statements:
   • York County District Attorney Tim Barker described the conditions as unacceptable for any child.
   • Lieutenant Braxton Ditty, acting police chief of Newberry Township, emphasized that no child should ever endure such conditions.

Treatment Classified as Child Torture

Dr. Kathryn Crowell, Associate Professor of Pediatrics and member of the Child Protection Board at Penn State Health, confirmed that the treatment of the children met the criteria for child torture. Medical professionals had previously identified the mother, Ashley Cardona, as having significant psychological issues impairing her ability to care for the children since 2019.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The investigation spanned two years, with the children removed from the home and placed in foster care in March 2024. The mother, grandmother, and uncle were arrested on February 25, 2026. The District Attorney emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation to ensure all charges, including serious bodily injury, were fully substantiated.

Charges Filed

• Ashley Cardona (Mother, 31 years old):
  • 2 counts of aggravated assault (victim under 13)
  • 2 counts of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury or with extreme indifference
  • 1 count of aggravated assault (victim under 6)
  • Multiple counts of endangering welfare of children
  • False imprisonment and unlawful restraint of minors
• Lori Cardona (Grandmother, 53 years old):
  • 2 counts of aggravated assault (victim under 13)
  • 2 counts of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury or with extreme indifference
  • 1 count of aggravated assault (victim under 6)
  • Multiple counts of endangering welfare of children
  • False imprisonment and unlawful restraint of minors
• Michael Cardona (Uncle, 29 years old):
  • 2 counts of false imprisonment of minors
  • 2 counts of unlawful restraint of minors with risk of bodily injury
  • Multiple counts of endangering welfare of children

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This case underscores the critical need to advance several SDGs to protect children’s rights and well-being:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being — Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all children by preventing malnutrition, abuse, and neglect.
• SDG 4: Quality Education — Addressing developmental delays and providing supportive environments for children’s growth and learning.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions — Promoting justice through effective law enforcement and child protection services to end abuse and exploitation.

Conclusion

The York County child abuse case reveals severe violations of children’s rights and highlights the importance of sustained efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals related to child protection and welfare. Continued vigilance, comprehensive investigations, and coordinated community and institutional responses are essential to prevent such abuses and promote safe, nurturing environments for all children.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article highlights severe malnourishment, developmental delays, and significant dental decay in children, indicating poor health and well-being.
   • It also mentions psychological issues of the mother affecting child care.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses child abuse, torture, neglect, and the legal actions taken against the perpetrators, reflecting the need for justice and protection of vulnerable populations.
   • It involves law enforcement and judicial processes to uphold child welfare and safety.
3. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • While not explicitly stated, the neglect and poor living conditions imply socio-economic challenges that often correlate with poverty.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The developmental delays and deprivation of normal developmental liberties imply barriers to early childhood development and learning opportunities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.2: End preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age.
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
3. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty in all its dimensions.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.2: Ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Health and Well-being Indicators
   • Prevalence of malnutrition among children under 5 (implied by severe malnourishment).
   • Incidence of developmental delays in children.
   • Access to and quality of dental health care (implied by significant dental decay and reconstruction).
   • Mental health status of caregivers affecting child care.
2. Child Protection and Justice Indicators
   • Number of reported cases of child abuse, torture, and neglect.
   • Number of legal actions and convictions related to child abuse.
   • Effectiveness and timeliness of child protection services (implied by the two-year investigation and removal of children to foster care).
3. Education and Development Indicators
   • Rates of developmental delays and access to early childhood development services.
   • Access to normal developmental liberties and socialization opportunities for children.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: wgal.com