Tyler Levi Carter, a 29-year-old man from West Virginia, faces a murder charge after prosecutors accused him of failing to help an 11-year-old relative who starved and died from neglect in his home. Authorities say Carter, described as the girl's 'psychological brother,' knew of her dire conditions but did not intervene. The child's father and stepmother were charged earlier this year in connection with the same case.
Tyler Levi Carter was arrested last week and charged with one count of murder of a child by a parent, guardian, custodian, or other person of trust, court records show. Prosecutors allege that Carter lived in the Taylor County home with 11-year-old Miana Moran and occasionally babysat her. He knew she received inadequate food and medical care but failed to act, despite opportunities to seek help, according to investigators cited by the Mountain Statesman and West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Taylor County Prosecutor John Bord stated, 'He should have done something. He was a person in position of trust with those girls. He could have called CPS. He could have called the law enforcement.' Carter and another household member discussed removing the girl from the home but never followed through, the criminal complaint says. Miana's father, Aaron Moran, 42, and stepmother, Shannon Robinson, 51, were charged earlier this year with similar neglect allegations. An autopsy revealed Miana was 47 inches tall and weighed just 43 pounds, with measurements 'grossly inconsistent with her chronological age.' She had head lice, yellowish skin, protruding bones, bruises, and lacerations. Authorities determined she died from bilateral, diffuse, acute bronchopneumonia, with failure to thrive as a contributing factor. Deputies found her cold to the touch, unresponsive, and not breathing in a bedroom. Witnesses reported food deprivation as punishment: Miana received minimal nourishment or none while others ate full meals, and adults avoided medical care fearing abuse reports. Carter remains held without bond at Tygart Valley Regional Jail as the investigation continues.