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\u2019s biological mother, Joseph Ambrose, the mother\u2019s boyfriend, and Patrick Hayes, the child\u2019s biological father have all been charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, Aggravated Assault, Endangering Welfare of Children, Simple Assault, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Ambrose informed officers that he lived at the residence with the child\u2019s mother and that the victim\u2019s father lived in Millcreek.<\/p>\n
The living conditions were described by medical and police personnel as \u201cdeplorable\u201d and \u201ccluttered\u201d stating that an infestation of bedbugs and roaches was also evident in the home.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Erie County Forensic Pathologist found that the victim\u2019s death was entirely preventable, and medical treatment could have saved his life.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis case is not about a mistake or misjudgment,\u201d said DA Hirz.\u00a0 \u201cIt\u2019s about a sustained failure to act in the face of a child\u2019s obvious medical distress.\u00a0 This child was profoundly failed by the adults responsible for his care and protection.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
On Feb. 4, 2026, all defendants will have a scheduled preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Alison M. Scarpitti.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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