The Chester County District Attorney’s Office, the West Chester Borough Police Department, and the Chester County Detectives jointly announced the arrest of Leticia Cox, 59, and Mark Cox, Sr., also 59, of West Chester, for neglecting to provide basic care to a child who was severely malnourished.

Letitia Cox, the child’s mother, is charged with aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, recklessly endangering another person and tampering with evidence. Mark Cox, the child’s father, is charged with endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person.

After a multi-hour preliminary hearing, Judge Marc Lieberman bound all charges for both defendants over to the Court of Common Pleas. This means that the case will proceed forward and will later be assigned to a Chester County Court of Common Pleas Judge in the near future.

The criminal complaints filed by law enforcement indicate that on April 15, 2025, a ChildLine report was made indicating that a child was severely underweight, malnourished, and had severe dental decay. 

The 16-year-old male victim was brought into a local healthcare office on April 15, 2025 for a routine physical and noted to be visibly emaciated and dehydrated. He was 5’4” tall, weighed approximately 74.8 pounds, noted to have sunken eyes and was nervous and reluctant.  

Leticia Cox brought the child to the appointment and informed the staff that she wanted to reestablish medical care for the child.

On April 16, 2025, after being urged by law enforcement and child protective services to get the child immediate medical care, Mark Cox, Sr. took the child to Chester County Hospital. The child was transferred and admitted to the Nemours Children’s Hospital, where doctors certified his condition as a near fatality. Though the investigation revealed that the child was covered by medical insurance, investigators have not found any evidence indicating that the child victim was ever seen by a doctor or dentist prior to the visit on April 15. Phone records revealed that both defendants were aware, to varying degrees, of the deteriorating condition of the child victim, but they neglected to seek any legitimate medical care for the child. Investigation further established that the child was homeschooled and had little to no in-person contact with adults outside the family.

Chester County District Attorney Christopher L. de Barrena-Sarobe said, “Unlike many people who struggle to provide for their children, these defendants had every resource available to them. Instead of seeking medical care, they ignored their legal and moral responsibilities and prolonged this child’s suffering until he was on the brink of death.” 

West Chester Borough Police Department Police Chief Joshua Lee stated, “The West Chester Police Department fully supports the investigation led by County Detectives and recognizes that protecting our most vulnerable, especially our children, is everybody’s duty and obligation.”

The Chester County Detectives led the investigation and received assistance from the West Chester Borough Police Department. First Assistant District Attorney Erin O’Brien is the assigned prosecutor. 

As a reminder, if you have concerns about the safety of a child, say something. Call 911 and call Childline at 1-800-932-0313.