Pennsylvania mother charged after 4-year-old girl dies from severe colon infection

WatchPennsylvania mother charged after 4-year-old girl dies from severe colon infectionby RYAN GRAFFIUS, BROCK OWENS & WJAC STAFF

DuBois City Police say 36-year-old Sarah Brubaker is accused of neglecting to care for the young girl, resulting in her dying from what medical officials described as a severe bacterial infection in her colon. (WJAC)

0CommentShare storySharetopics: PennsylvaniaClearfield CountyChild deathMurder chargesManslaughterChild neglectPseudomembranous colitisHypothermiaCLEARFIELD COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — Authorities in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, say a mother is jailed on murder and manslaughter charges following a months-long investigation into the death of her 4-year-old daughter.

DuBois City Police say 36-year-old Sarah Brubaker is accused of neglecting to care for the young girl, resulting in her dying from what medical officials described as a severe bacterial infection in her colon.

According to the criminal affidavit, police say the child was taken to the emergency room late last year after Brubaker reportedly found her unresponsive and 'cold to the touch' on the morning of December 20.

DuBois City Police say 36-year-old Sarah Brubaker is accused of neglecting to care for the young girl, resulting in her dying from what medical officials described as a severe bacterial infection in her colon. (WJAC)

Police say both parents admitted to attempting life-saving measures on the girl before taking her to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead by medical staff.

When questioned by police about her daughter's condition prior to her death, investigators say Brubaker told authorities that the girl has not eaten in at least two weeks and was reportedly suffering from a severe case of diarrhea.

Additionally, police say Brubaker explained that her daughter had also displayed symptoms of balance issues and feeling weak.

Investigators say police then obtained a search warrant for the family's home to determine its living conditions inside and what kind of food/meals were being provided to the girl.

According to the complaint, authorities noted that the family was in possession of two working refrigerators but neither had any food inside.

Investigators reported that there was "no food" inside the home, other than boxes of uncooked pasta and some ingredients that could be used to make meals.

Police also noted that the home itself was "very clean and orderly," and had reportedly been decorated for Christmas.

However, as police continued to search the home, they discovered that no lights were being used, the heating system was shut off and the internal temperature of the house was near freezing.

Police say a secondary search warrant for the home's heating system determined that it was in good working condition but was intentionally not being used, despite reportedly being connected to a free natural gas well on their property.

Investigators say the internal temperature of the home was cold enough for ice to begin forming on the inside of the windows.

During the initial questioning with Brubaker, police say she also admitted that her family was experiencing financial hardships after both parents had reportedly quit their jobs.

Investigators say Brubaker told authorities that she was aware of available assistance for her family, both food and medical, but that they chose not to seek any help.

Police say Brubaker also made mention of a $100,000+ investment fund that her family allegedly had access to.

Authorities add that an official autopsy determined that Brubaker's daughter died from pseudomembranous colitis — which is described as a severe bacterial infection in the colon.

Police say the medical examiner ruled her death a homicide caused by neglect.

According to online court records, Brubaker was arraigned Wednesday afternoon on charges of third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment.

She is being housed at the Clearfield County Jail with bail set at $1 million.

Investigators also confirmed to 6 News that Brubaker's husband, Chad Brubaker, has passed away since the daughter's death was first reported.

County coroner Kim Shaffer-Snyder clarified that his cause of death was determined to be hypothermia.

Editor's note: The county coroner clarified that Mr. Brubaker died from hypothermia, NOT dehydration, as we were originally told.