Pennsylvania – In a deeply troubling case out of Pennsylvania, a couple has been sentenced to jail after their premature twin infants were found severely malnourished—barely gaining weight in the weeks following their release from the hospital. The 33-year-old mother, identified as C. Soyka, and 45-year-old father, identified as M. Maddela, pleaded guilty to charges of child endangerment after their failure to provide adequate nutrition nearly cost their babies their lives.
Court documents show Soyka was sentenced to a term of 364 to 729 days in jail after pleading guilty to two counts of endangering the welfare of children. Her partner, Maddela, received a sentence ranging from 8 to 23 months following his own guilty plea to similar charges in late October. Prosecutors described the case as “extremely disturbing,” pointing to the long-term harm the infants narrowly avoided due to medical intervention.
The twins were born on October 7, 2024—both arriving more than two months early. One weighed just 4.16 pounds, the other 3.74 pounds. Due to their premature birth, the babies were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and, after discharge, were placed on strict monitoring protocols that included regular weight check appointments. But according to the District Attorney’s Office, the couple failed to bring the infants to four scheduled follow-ups. For over a month, there were no medical check-ins. When they finally returned to the hospital on December 11, doctors were alarmed by what they saw.
At that point, the heavier baby had gained only 1.62 pounds, while the lighter twin had added just 1.3 pounds. Both were far below the expected weight and had dropped beneath the first percentile for their age. The malnutrition was so severe that the infants were immediately transferred to a hospital for emergency care. Doctors reported no underlying illnesses—only signs of inadequate feeding at home. Within three days of receiving regular formula feedings under hospital supervision, both babies began to gain weight at a significantly healthier pace. This turnaround made one thing clear: their condition was entirely preventable. A hospital physician later confirmed the infants’ condition was directly tied to poor caloric intake, and had the parents attended their appointments, the issue could have been identified and corrected weeks earlier.
During the sentencing hearing, Assistant District Attorney B. Murphy emphasized the seriousness of the neglect. She described the case as “extremely disturbing,” adding that it was shocking the parents allowed their vulnerable, underweight babies to reach such a dangerous state before seeking help. The judge’s sentencing reflected the magnitude of that failure. Soyka will serve up to two years behind bars, while Maddela will serve just under two years. Authorities made it clear the punishment was meant not only to hold the couple accountable but also to deter similar negligence in the future.
Though the twins’ current health status has not been disclosed, their rapid improvement under proper hospital care highlights how desperately they needed help—and how much their suffering could have been avoided. This case underscores the fragile nature of infant health, particularly for premature babies, and the devastating consequences when basic responsibilities are ignored. With both parents now incarcerated, the message is unmistakable: child neglect will not be tolerated, especially when it places the most defenseless lives at risk.
