District Attorney Announces Charges Against Parents for Horrific, Near Fatal, Abuse of Infant Twins

District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer announced charges today against Armani Coleman, 23, and Zamareon Moat, 18, for the abuse they are alleged to have perpetrated on their one-year old twins. The charges include aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of children, and conspiracy. The abuse inflicted on both children was deemed to be near fatal by the examining physician.

“The actions of these defendants are incomprehensible in their heinousness: they are alleged to have intentionally starved their medically fragile infant daughter to near death, and are believed to have inflicted a near fatal head injury on their infant son. Marks of possible strangulation, as well as bite marks, add to the picture of depravity presented by these defendants. Despite offers of assistance from CYS, the defendants missed dozens of doctor appointments, likely fearful that their abuse would be detected. Confronted with this horrible situation, I am reminded yet again of my respect and gratitude for the members of law enforcement and the medical professionals who work every day to prevent this type of tragedy from happening – and to respond and protect our children when these horrific events happen. They are truly doing God’s work,” said District Attorney Stollsteimer.

On Monday, January 22, 2024, officers of the Chester City Police Department responded to a call concerning an unconscious infant. Upon arrival, officers were met by defendant Coleman, who handed them her one-year old male infant. The infant exhibited shallow breathing and lethargy. The parents provided statements suggesting that the child may have hit his head on a door jamb while crawling. The child was transported to Nemours Children’s Hospital, where he was diagnosed with bilateral facial injury from blunt impact trauma, and required surgery to drain a subdural hemorrhage. In addition, the child was diagnosed with injuries consistent with shaking/impact events. The child abuse pediatrician examining the child classified the injuries as near fatal.

Following the examination of the male child, the detective proceeded to check on the female twin. Marks and bruises were observed on the infant’s face, along with numerous scratches on the infant’s body. Although defendant Moat attempted to explain the scratches as self-inflicted, the examining physician opined that the location of the scratches was inconsistent with such an explanation. In addition, the examining physician observed that the child was emaciated, and opined that the child had been subject to intentional food restriction that nearly resulted in her death. The doctor also observed what appeared to be bite marks on the female child, as well as several injuries /marks which could be consistent with a method of restraint or strangulation.

Both parents reported that they were the sole caretakers of the twins, and that neither was employed. An investigation of the devices of both parents revealed that searches had been conducted for subjects such as “scar removal cream for toddlers”, “how to get rid of a bite mark,” and “can you tell if a baby been choked.”

Detectives reached out to the County’s Department of Children and Youth Services. CYS had opened a case on the children when the children had missed fifteen medical appointments. Both children had been born testing positive for THC, and the female twin was a medically fragile child who required oxygen. It had been noted repeatedly in the CYS reports that the female twin did not have the mandatory monitoring equipment in place. Even after CYS involvement, and despite offers of assistance for transportation, the parents missed or cancelled every doctor appointment for the female twin from November 2023 through her hospitalization.

“We are all incredibly grateful to Detective Rhaheem Blanden, the staff of Nemours Children’s Hospital, particularly Dr. Stephanie Deutsch, and Deputy District Attorney Kristen Kemp for their efforts on this case, as well as their tireless efforts every day to protect the children of Delaware County,” said Stollsteimer.

The defendants were remanded to George W. Hill Correctional Facility.

The District Attorney and the Criminal Investigations Division remind anyone in Delaware County who observes suspicious activity to call 911 immediately and provide the most specific and accurate details possible to assist law enforcement agencies investigating the call for service.

For press inquiries, please contact Margie McAboy, Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, 610-579-0429.