An 11-year-old Taylor County girl whose weight shocked investigators is again at the center of a major development, after authorities arrested a man they describe as her "psychological brother" in connection with her death. The child, identified as Miana Moran, was found unresponsive inside a Taylor County home in February 2025 and was severely underweight, prosecutors say. The latest arrest comes nearly a year after her death and follows earlier charges against the girl's primary caregiver and her father.
New arrest in the case
As reported by WDTV, 29-year-old Tyler Levi Carter of Grafton was taken into custody and charged with the murder of a child by a custodian after court documents said he lived in the home and was aware of the girl's decline. Prosecutors say Carter is described in the filings as a "psychological brother" who occasionally babysat Miana and had talked about a plan to get her help, but never followed through.
Autopsy and complaint details
Court filings and an autopsy show Miana weighed about 43 pounds and measured roughly 47 inches, measurements described as grossly inconsistent with her chronological age, according to WV News. The autopsy listed bilateral, diffuse, acute bronchopneumonia as the cause of death, with "failure to thrive" cited as a contributing factor.
Other arrests and arraignments
The girl's primary caregiver, 51-year-old Shannon Robinson, was arrested in January and faces charges including murder of a child and child neglect resulting in death, while Miana's father, Aaron Moran, was later indicted on similar counts. Prosecutors previously said Moran appeared in court and was denied bond, and the office has not ruled out additional indictments, according to WV MetroNews. Court proceedings for the separate defendants remain in early stages as investigators continue gathering evidence.
Scene and child-welfare contacts
Deputies responding to a welfare check found Miana at a Nector Street residence and documented head lice, bruises, a yellowish tint to her skin, and protruding bones, reporting by WAJR. Witnesses told investigators the child was sometimes deprived of food as punishment while other members of the household ate full meals, according to the criminal complaint. Child Protective Services had visited the home multiple times, with four to five visits reported in the months before her death, according to WDTV.
What the law says
West Virginia has a statute that specifically addresses a caretaker's failure to provide necessities that result in a child's death. Under West Virginia Code §61-8D-2, a parent, guardian, custodian or person in a position of trust who maliciously or intentionally causes a child's death by failing to provide necessary food, clothing, shelter, or medical care can be prosecuted for first-degree murder.
Prosecutors say the investigation remains active and that they intend to hold accountable anyone who played a role in the child's death. Carter is being held without bond at the regional jail and court dates are pending, officials said, as authorities continue to collect evidence and review the case, according to WV News.
