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Former Lancaster Co. Amish couple who gifted daughter suffered family tragedy

COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Family members and former neighbors of the Lancaster County couple who admitted to “gifting” their 14-year-old daught...

COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- Family members and former neighbors of the Lancaster County couple who admitted to "gifting" their 14-year-old daughter to a Bucks County man are seeking answers as to how their life turned.

Daniel and Savilla Stoltzfus formerly lived at 834 Pumping Station Road in Kirkwood, Lancaster County. Many relatives still live in the area. However, very few have spoken to the couple since 2003. That is when the family left the Amish Church.

"They were very isolated. They wanted nothing to do with us," said Daniel's sister-in-law. "We didn't understand their way of living."

Family members and neighbors seem to think the Stoltzfuses change of faith coincides with their meeting Lee Kaplan the same year. What led the couple, and their family, down that path, remains a mystery.

In 2001, tragedy occurred as, according to neighbors, Daniel Stoltzfus accidentally killed his 14-month-old son, backing up his forklift on the family farm.

Two years later, the family left the Amish faith. In 2009, they were evicted from their Pumping Station Road home.

Another neighbor, who lives in a farm across the street from the Stoltzfuses former residence, believes Kaplan may have "talked them into doing what they did," in regards to leaving the church, and possibly, convincing them to hand over the Stoltzfuses daughter.

Daniel and Savilla Stoltzfus were arrested Thursday after police found their oldest daughter, now 18, at Kaplan's home in Feasterville, Bucks County. Court documents show that the Stoltzfuses willingly gave their daughter to Kaplan as a gift for helping them out with money issues.

Daniel Stoltzfus, 43, is charged with conspiracy of statutory assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Savilla, 42, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

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