A grand jury has indicted a Bronx couple on charges they starved their 3-year-old daughter to death and so badly malnourished her brother, he had to spend a month in a hospital.
Calvin Harris, 37, is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, assault and other charges, according to the Bronx district attorney’s office. He was arraigned by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Audrey Stone on Tuesday, and remains in custody on Rikers Island. His partner Ymonzherae Gill, 35, was arraigned by the same judge a day earlier on charges including second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and assault. Her bail was set at $500,000.
Prosecutors say Harris and Gill called 911 on March 3 to report their 3-year-old daughter, Essence Gill Harris, was having trouble breathing. Paramedics responded to the family’s apartment, and rushed the toddler to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead not long after, according to the Bronx DA’s office.
“These precious children were found in deplorable conditions. Sadly, the little girl could not be saved,” Bronx DA Darcel Clark said in a statement. “These defendants allegedly failed to adequately feed and care for their children. They will be held accountable for their actions.”
The city medical examiner ruled Essence’s death a homicide as the result of acute and chronic neglect including malnutrition and dehydration, prosecutors said.
The couple is due back in court on Dec. 9, 2026. Harris’ attorney could not be reached for comment. Gill’s attorney declined to comment over the phone.