Hearing continued for seventh time in death of toddler
A preliminary hearing was continued for a seventh time Friday for a Point Marion couple charged with homicide in the death of their toddler.
State police Trooper Timothy Kirsch said Robert David Dodson, 55, and Tammy Jo Bohon, 35, were each charged before Magisterial District Judge Ronald J. Haggerty Jr. with criminal homicide and endangering the welfare of a child following the death of their daughter, Madison Violet Dodson.
Police said Robert Dodson had left the 15-month-old girl to sleep on the living room floor amongst animal feces and garbage around 11 p.m. Jan. 5, while the toddler’s mother was smoking crack cocaine in Masontown.
The girl was found dead by Dodson the following morning, police said.
A new hearing has not been scheduled before Magisterial District Judge Jesse Cramer.
Fayette County District Attorney Jack R. Heneks Jr. said that while several recent continuances were a result of trying to copy and compile a massive amount of medical records, this continuance was issued because of scheduling conflicts.
A preliminary autopsy conducted by forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril H. Wecht revealed the girl died of dehydration and malnutrition at the residence that police said was littered with animal and human feces, ripped open trash bags and cigarette butts.
Madison Dodson was a “critical care case” when she was brought home from the hospital following her birth, Kirsch said, and required extra medical attention.
Kirsch said the couple’s other children were taken from the home and remain in protective care.