SUSQUEHANNA TOWNSHIP, PENNSYLVANIA — A 24-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman have been charged in the death of a 4-month-old infant whose March 28 cardiac arrest call led to a homicide investigation, Susquehanna Township Police announced.
Key Points
- 4-month-old Ioni Souders died on March 28; her death was ruled a homicide after an April 1 autopsy.
- Jose Melendez Padilla is charged with first-degree murder and multiple felony offenses.
- Layla Souders is charged with third-degree murder and felony child endangerment.
Officers found infant unresponsive in apartment
Police responded to a call at 2:14 p.m. on March 28 at an apartment in the 3200 block of Wakefield Road, where they found infant Ioni Souders in cardiac arrest. The child was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Officers observed conditions that prompted an immediate investigation.
Authorities allege that Jose Melendez Padilla, 24, and Layla Souders, 20, were responsible for the infant’s death. The Dauphin County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy on April 1, officially ruling the manner of death as homicide.
Murder and conspiracy charges filed following autopsy
Following the autopsy, police filed a range of criminal charges. Padilla is charged with first-degree murder, felony endangering the welfare of children, two counts of criminal conspiracy, tampering with evidence, and forgery. Souders is charged with third-degree murder and felony child endangerment.
Investigators say Padilla beat the infant to death and showed little interest in caring for the child, according to details released by police. The nature and extent of the child’s injuries were not immediately disclosed.
Investigation continues as suspects await legal proceedings
The case was developed through coordinated investigative efforts and forensic examination. Both suspects were taken into custody following the autopsy findings, and further proceedings are expected as the investigation continues.
Police have not released additional information regarding the timeline of the alleged abuse or the roles of each suspect beyond the charges filed.