Today charges have been filed against the three individuals connected with the death of an eight-year-old child. Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz announced that Teanna Fuller the child’s biological mother, Joseph Ambrose, the mother’s boyfriend, and Patrick Hayes, the child’s biological father have all been charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, Aggravated Assault, Endangering Welfare of Children, Simple Assault, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person.
On Jan. 22, 2024, the Erie Police Department was called by Joseph Ambrose who had stated that the eight-year-old male had been found unresponsive in his room at 709 West 16th Street. When medical personal had arrived on scene they found the child with no signs of life.
Ambrose informed officers that he lived at the residence with the child’s mother and that the victim’s father lived in Millcreek.
The living conditions were described by medical and police personnel as “deplorable” and “cluttered” stating that an infestation of bedbugs and roaches was also evident in the home.
The autopsy reported that the cause of death was bilateral bronchopneumonia or double pneumonia. Upon investigation it was found that the victim had been showing symptoms of illness beginning in the end of November 2023.
Through interviews detectives found that all three adults caring for the child were aware of the declining health of the child, but no medical attention or reasonable steps had been taken to address his medical needs.
The Erie County Forensic Pathologist found that the victim’s death was entirely preventable, and medical treatment could have saved his life.
“This case is not about a mistake or misjudgment,” said DA Hirz. “It’s about a sustained failure to act in the face of a child’s obvious medical distress. This child was profoundly failed by the adults responsible for his care and protection.”
On Jan. 17, 2026 Fuller and Ambrose had been arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Timothy S. Beveridge, who set bail for each at $100,000 cash. Hayes had been arraigned by Judge Beveridge on Jan. 22, 2026, and set bond at $100,000 cash.
On Feb. 4, 2026, all defendants will have a scheduled preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Alison M. Scarpitti.
