Woman With Down Syndrome 'Systematically' Malnourished, Beaten By Caretakers In Delco: DA

COLWYN, PA — Two Delaware County residents were arrested Tuesday after authorities say a woman with Down syndrome suffered from malnourishment, beatings and neglect in their care.

The investigation began April 25, when the 20-year-old victim was locked outside her home in Colwyn when it was about 40 degrees and raining, according to the Delaware County District Attorney's Office.

In the backyard, an officer found the victim visibly distressed, soaked head to toe and holding a trash bag full of clothes. She also had injuries to her right eye and multiple marks on her body while suffering from malnourishment, authorities said.

Her caretakers — Yahnae Clegg-Brown and Naiyr “Hasan” Sanders — were charged and arrested Tuesday after a months-long investigation, according to the DA's Office.

The victim was "systematically" underfed and assaulted while staying at the suspects' home, being punished through beatings and refusing her food, authorities said.

Footage from the home shows Sanders pushing the victim down the concrete steps and shutting the door in her face. Another video shows him punching her in the face, authorities said.

The victim was forced to stay in a room with a deteriorating mattress and no sheets, blankets or pillows, officials said.

"Those entrusted with another person's care have a responsibility to protect them," said District Attorney Tanner Rouse. "To have systematically abused a young woman in this way is beyond comprehension."

Authorities identified the suspects as boyfriend and girlfriend. It wasn't immediately clear what brought the victim into their home or how long she lived with them.

Clegg-Brown, 31, and Sanders, 35, were charged with several offenses related to abuse and neglect of a care-dependent person. Sanders was also charged with simple assault.

Both suspects were jailed in Delaware County Prison after they failed to post 10 percent of their $250,000 bails. A preliminary hearing is set for July 16.

Neither suspect had an attorney contact in online court records on Thursday.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information can contact Sgt. Steve Bannar at 610-891-4700.