New Jersey mother charged with neglect following the death of her 5-year-old daughter.
A New Jersey woman has been charged with multiple counts of child endangerment in connection with the tragic death of her five-year-old daughter, who was under her care. Raphaelle Register, 36, was taken into custody on Monday as police launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s untimely passing. The investigation began on Sunday when authorities responded to an emergency call reporting an unresponsive child at a residence within Freedom Village, a housing complex located in Robbinsville Township, Mercer County.
According to reports, the five-year-old girl was quickly transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The child’s identity has not yet been publicly disclosed. As the girl’s mother, Register allegedly bore legal responsibility not only for her daughter but also for three other minors—two five-year-olds, an eight-year-old, and a twelve-year-old.
Investigators allege that Register left the minors unattended and failed to provide adequate nourishment and medical care, leading to charges that the children had been abused or neglected. A criminal complaint outlined that the lack of supervision constituted a serious violation of her parental duties. The conditions of the other children remain unknown at this time, but neighbor testimonies suggest that the twins, who are also five years old, were born prematurely and faced ongoing medical challenges.
The cause and manner of the girl’s death are currently under investigation, with autopsy results pending. In light of these developments, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion to detain Register without bail until her trial. She faces four counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, a serious charge that reflects the significant legal ramifications associated with neglectful behavior toward minors.
As this case unfolds, the community is grappling with the shocking nature of the incident, and authorities continue to seek clarity on the conditions surrounding the children’s care. The legal proceedings and the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of this tragic event are expected to draw significant attention in the days to come. Further updates will be forthcoming as more information is made available by investigative officials.
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