In a stark revelation from Stark County, a grand jury has indicted a mother and father on charges of murder following the death of their 11-month-old son, who authorities say starved to death. The indictments against Eric Rush, 26, and Tyasia Singleton, 30, include murder and endangering children, with Rush facing an additional charge for having weapons while under disability, as reported by Cleveland 19. Cleveland 19 further detailed the indictment after police responded to a distress call at their residence on June 25.
Arraignment for the couple is set for August 23, where they will face Judge Taryn Heath in Stark County Common Pleas Court. Eric Rush's previous convictions, which include a felonious assault in Summit County in 2014 when he was a minor, contributed to the weapons charge, as uncovered through court proceedings detailed in an article by The Alliance Review. Held on $1 million cash/surety bonds each since their arrest in late June, the couple's charges stem from allegations that from July 17, 2023, to June 25, their actions led to the death of their son by creating a "substantial risk to the health and safety" and violating "a duty of care, protection, or support." The case's attention came to the Canton police after the boy was found in dire condition at a home on 10th Street NE.
At the time of the authorities' arrival, it was discovered that the infant was taken to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital in an attempt to save him. Still, he ultimately succumbed to the effects of starvation. Despite the gravity of the situation, the police noted that Rush told Cleveland19 that he wanted to "continue playing Xbox" and showed no emotion during the incident. The investigation revealed a scarcity of provisions in the house, with nothing but rice cereal being found.
While addressing the boy's condition in a preliminary hearing, a Canton police detective detailed the boy's extreme emaciation and the lack of baby formula at the residence, pointing out that spoiled milk was among the inadequate sustenance efforts by the parents. According to CantonRep.com, efforts to reach both the Stark County Public Defender's Office, representing Rush, and attorney Ty Graham, representing Singleton, for comments were unsuccessful.
A one-year-old child also residing at the home during these events is now in protective custody. This case has heightened concerns about child welfare and the efficacy of social services in monitoring and intervening in at-risk environments for vulnerable children. The indictment represents a culmination of investigative efforts and, perhaps, a sobering prompt for reflection on the community's responsibility to its most defenseless members.
