L. NAZARETH TWP., Pa. – A father is charged with murder after the tragic death of a baby girl in Northampton County.
Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta said the man left his 14-month-old daughter in the backseat of his car in Lower Nazareth Township, on a day when the region was under an excessive heat warning.
“This is common sense. This is basic humanity,” said Baratta.
Daniel Moist, 38, of Nazareth is charged with third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, endangering the welfare of children, recklessly endangering another person, and leaving a child unattended in a vehicle, according to court paperwork.
The documents are giving us a closer look into the events leading up to the death.
According to the affidavit, on June 11, Moist had dropped off his seven-year-old daughter at Pen Argyl High School for a sports camp and was supposed to drop his 14-month-old daughter off at a daycare center.
Baratta said the investigation revealed that Moist has a routine of traveling four days a week to drop off his 14-month-old baby at the daycare center.
“Moist had his infant daughter with him and failed to drop her off at daycare,” said Baratta.
Instead, Baratta said Moist drove by the daycare, continuing his drive to his work in Hanover Township and making a pitstop to purchase energy drinks.
The baby was left in the car from 10a.m. until after 4p.m., according to investigators.
“There’s no indication that Mr. Moist was aware that his daughter was in the car seat at the time that he left her in the vehicle,” Baratta said. “Obviously, if we believe that he was aware that his daughter was in the car when he left her, we may have considered other charges.”
Investigators said Moist received a call from his wife, saying she went to pick the baby up from the daycare and was informed their daughter had not been dropped off that day.
After the call, Moist then allegedly left his office, went to his car in the parking lot and discovered the baby girl dead in a car seat in the back of the vehicle.
“Mr. Moist got into the car, began driving, called 911 was directed to pull over,” Baratta said.
That’s when Moist stopped his car in the lot of the ID Logistics on Hanoverville Road, while waiting for police.
DA: Toddler found dead in father’s car in Lower Nazareth Township
A representative from ID Logistics said none of their employees or known affiliates were involved.
Investigators described Moist as having “glassy, bloodshot eyes”; a blood test later revealed that Moist had marijuana and THC in his system, according to court records.
In a statement, Moist’s attorney Gary Asteak said: “Let there be no rush to judgment. This was a horrible family tragedy, a family’s worst nightmare but to cast blame now is unfair and reflects a lack of compassion. When the whole story is told, it will bring tears to everyone’s eyes. Daniel is innocent and a jury may be needed to hear the whole truth.”
Baratta said Moist has been released on $500,000 unsecured bail.
“If I have to tell parents that they have to be vigilant to protect their children and not kill them when they’re in their care; I’m living in the wrong society right now,” said Baratta.
Moist was arraigned Thursday morning.
A preliminary hearing set for July 15.