St. Louis Mother Facing Charges Following Severe Child Neglect Investigation Due To Starvation

A heartbreaking case out of St. Louis, Missouri, has left a community shaken after a 29-year-old mother was arrested and charged in connection with the death of her 20-month-old daughter.

Authorities say Sausha Mia Myers called 911 on June 14, 2026, reporting that her child was unresponsive and struggling to breathe inside their home in The Ville neighborhood. When emergency responders arrived, they found the toddler lying on the living room floor with no pulse. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after.

A Disturbing Discovery

Investigators say the child had been surviving on an estimated 250 calories per day a dangerously low amount that ultimately led to her death.

At just 20 months old, the little girl weighed only 10 pounds. For comparison, the average weight for a child her age is around 24 pounds.

Inside the home, authorities also found a 3-year-old sibling in alarming condition. The child reportedly weighed only 17 pounds significantly under the expected weight for her age and showed visible signs of long-term neglect.

Signs of Severe Neglect

According to reports, the deceased toddler had developed severe bedsores and pressure marks on her head and back, indicating prolonged immobility.

The surviving 3-year-old was described as nonverbal, with visible scars across her torso. Investigators also noted the presence of lanugo, a layer of fine hair that can develop when the body is experiencing extreme malnutrition in an attempt to retain heat.

Charges Filed

Sausha Mia Myers has been taken into custody and is facing charges of child abuse and neglect in connection with the case.

Authorities have not released further details about how long the children may have been in these conditions, but the investigation remains ongoing.

A Community in Shock

Cases like this leave more than just legal consequences they leave lasting pain. Two young children suffered in silence, and one life was tragically lost under circumstances that many are struggling to comprehend.

For many, the hardest part is understanding how something this severe could go unnoticed.

This case is a devastating reminder of the importance of recognizing signs of neglect and speaking up. While justice will now take its course, a young life has already been lost and another forever changed.