Malinda Hoagland, a Chester County 12-year-old, recently passed as a result of alleged long-term child abuse. According to prosecutors and law enforcement, she may have been the victim of prolonged abuse at the hands of her father, Rendell Hoagland, and his live-in girlfriend, Cindy Marie Warren.

Due to the unique factors of this case, prosecutors are charging Warren and Hoagland with murder. They also face charges for other counts, including kidnapping of a minor, involuntary servitude, and endangering the welfare of a minor.

If you ever face charges of child abuse or similar crimes, you need a proper defense. At the LLF Law Firm, our Criminal Defense Team is prepared to help you in these circumstances. Learn more about what we can do for you by submitting your information through our online form or calling us at 888-535-3686 today.

Digital Devices Provided Evidence

Chester County Detective Bernard Martin is the lead investigator in this case. Per Detective Martin, evidence indicates, “Malinda was regularly subjected to hours of physical punishment, deprived of sleep, and beaten when she failed to comply with the unreasonable demands of Warren and Hoagland.”

Investigators gathered evidence of the alleged abuse through phones and other digital devices. According to Detective Martin, they discovered hundreds of videos and still images depicting the victim enduring various forms of abuse. Examples include forced physical exercise and being shackled to furniture.

Alleged Abuse May Have Been a Form of Punishment

Investigators and prosecutors have put forth the argument that Malinda Hoagland may have been subjected to abuse as punishment for various infractions her father or her father's girlfriend objected to. For example, she may have been abused when she forgot to complete a chore or didn't sit properly at the table.

According to Dr. Stephanie Anne Deutsch of Nemours Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del., listed on the affidavit in this case as a national child torture expert, the victim “experienced particularly cruel, callous psychological maltreatment by Warren and Hoagland for years” that resulted in “profound emotional distress.”

Investigators and prosecutors allege the abuse began in 2021 when the victim was ten years old. Based on her behavior in the videos law enforcement recovered, in which she often apologizes and asks for forgiveness, it appears she may have been “re-programmed” to assume that her mistreatment was normal.

It's worth noting that people who noticed signs of abuse reported the matter to ChildLine, the 24/7 child abuse hotline in Pennsylvania. However, according to Detective Martin, Warren and Hoagland were always able to come up with excuses to explain bruises and other such indications that abuse may have been occurring.

For example, they explained away bruises by claiming they were sustained while riding in bumper cars or playing. Unfortunately, Malinda Hoagland eventually passed away after becoming unconscious during a trip to a Lancaster County campground. The abuse is the supposed cause of death.

You Need a Lawyer When Facing Child Abuse Charges

If you ever find out you've been accused of child abuse or similar crimes, contact a lawyer right away. Even if you're the subject of a ChildLine investigation, which isn't technically a criminal investigation (although it can become one), a lawyer can still play a significant role in your case's outcome. Learn more by contacting the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team today by calling us at 888-535-3686 or submitting information through our online contact form.