A Pennsylvania man has been charged with serious crimes after his two-year-old daughter was found outside during a severe winter storm, allegedly suffering from frostbite and hypothermia. Joshua Kitner, aged 29, from Newville, now faces felony charges including aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children, following this alarming incident reported in January.
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On January 25, police in Carlisle received an emergency call around 5:30 p.m. regarding a child who was discovered outdoors in freezing conditions. Upon arrival, officers found the young girl in a distressing state, with her feet described as “purple and black” due to extreme frostbite. According to an affidavit from the Pennsylvania State Police, Kitner was the only adult responsible for her care at the time.
It is alleged that Kitner had consumed a substantial amount of alcohol the night before the incident, claiming he had drunk eight or nine beers. This led to him feeling exhausted and subsequently falling asleep, during which the child suffered serious injuries. Kitner reportedly stated he woke up to find his daughter outdoors with the family’s three-month-old puppy, suggesting that she had possibly let the dog outside and had become trapped outside.
The conditions at the time were particularly harsh, with reports of severe winter weather affecting the area. The young girl was found outside dressed only in a T-shirt and a diaper, which raises significant concerns regarding her well-being and safety. Police noted that she was seated on the ground and appeared to be dozing off, indicating the level of fatigue and distress she was experiencing.
Emergency medical services responded quickly, transporting the child to a local hospital. Upon further examination, it was revealed that she had sustained stage-four frostbite on both feet, as well as stage-three frostbite on her right hand. Following initial treatment, she was transferred to the burn unit at Lehigh Valley Medical Center, where she remained for a week. After her discharge, she continued to receive follow-up care at a designated burn centre for over a month.
Joshua Kitner was subsequently arrested and charged with multiple felony counts related to his daughter’s neglect and endangerment. He has since been released on $20,000 unsecured bail and is scheduled to appear in court on May 21. Currently, there appears to be no legal representation listed for him in public records, and further developments are awaited as the case progresses.
The circumstances surrounding this case have drawn attention to issues of child safety and welfare, prompting discussions about parental responsibility and the dangers posed by neglect. Authorities encourage anyone who suspects child abuse to reach out to hotlines and resources dedicated to protecting children.
As the investigation unfolds, this case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals, particularly in extreme weather conditions. The well-being of the young girl remains the utmost priority, as she continues her recovery following this distressing ordeal. More information will likely emerge as the scheduled court appearance approaches, shedding further light on the events leading up to this serious situation.