BERKS COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — Two parents in Berks County are reportedly facing multiple charges, including homicide in the death of their newborn baby boy.
According to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office, on May 2, 2026, a seemingly healthy baby suddenly entered a state of medical distress while in a private room at the maternity ward of a hospital.
The baby was flown to a local hospital for further treatment, but later succumbed to his injuries the following day, officials said.
Investigators alleged that the infant’s injuries had been consistent with physical abuse and were not from the birthing process.
An autopsy was conducted, where officials said the cause of death was determined to be multiple traumatic injuries.
Officials said that when the injuries were inflicted on the child, he was under the supervision of his parents– identified by officials as Kevin Canaan, 28, of Reading, and Yeniffer Tavarez-Cepeda, 25, of New York, and that it happened within a short time period.
Both of the parents reportedly failed to alert the hospital staff while the baby was in distress.
Canaan and Tavarez-Cepeda have been charged with homicide, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of children.