CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. — "Rendell Hoagland and Cindy Warren subjected Malinda to evil and torment that no child should have to endure, and they did it for months," said D.A. Christopher De Barrena-Sarobe, Chester County.
Investigators say 12-year-old Malinda Hoagland was just 50 pounds and suffering from at least a half-dozen broken bones, bruises, and organ failure when she passed away in Chester County.
According to the district attorney, the little girl died following months of abuse at the hands of her biological father, Rendell Hoagland, and his girlfriend, Cindy Warren.
Police say they uncovered videos from both suspect's phones and an in-home camera system showing the girl cuffed by the ankle to furniture while she was allegedly continuously verbally berated.
"The video showed that they would punish her by demanding strenuous physical exercises such as squats and running in place while she was still shackled," said D.A. De Barrena-Sarobe.
According to court documents, Hoagland called 911 on Saturday to report that Malinda was not responsive. He claims she hit a tree while riding her bicycle near South Coatesville, but investigators say there's no way that would explain the extent of her injuries and emaciated state.
Malinda later died at the hospital.
Cindy Warren was previously convicted of child endangerment charges in monroe county for the abuse of her three-year-old son in 2007. Police say Warren watched her then-husband, McKinley Warren, whip and beat the boy and did nothing to stop it.
As for the case in Chester County, investigators are waiting on the results of various medical reports to decide whether to charge Hoagland and Warren with murder.
The couple is locked up on $1 million bail.