A North Miami couple was arrested this week after authorities discovered their two young children in a state described as “severely malnourished,” with one child suffering from arm and leg fractures. Gabrielle Milfort, 32, and Charmy Milfort, 34, face charges of child neglect with no great bodily harm, according to arrest records.
The investigation into the family began on June 24, when a Department of Children and Families (DCF) investigator took custody of the children, ages 7 and 4. Reports indicated that the children had not been properly fed, had not received medical care since 2022, and were not enrolled in school.
The 7-year-old child was found to be non-verbal, severely malnourished, not toilet-trained, and still wearing diapers. The 4-year-old, also malnourished, weighed only 15 pounds in June and suffered from constipation caused by dehydration. Additionally, the younger child, who is not yet walking or talking, was discovered with a fractured arm and leg.
Investigators noted that the couple had financial means that could have been used to provide care for the children. “In January 2025, the defendant and co-defendant leased an apartment that was furnished, and they financed a vehicle in February 2025,” the reports stated. “Those finances could have been utilized to fund the medical care of victim 1 and victim 2.”
The parents were booked into jail and were expected to appear in bond court later Thursday. Authorities emphasized that since being placed in professional care, the children’s health has shown improvement, according to the NBC affiliate WTVJ.
The case has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of child neglect and the importance of timely intervention. Experts say malnutrition and untreated injuries in children can have long-term effects on development, both physically and mentally, making prompt medical attention critical.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the neglect and are working to ensure that the children receive the care and support they need to recover. The arrest highlights the serious consequences parents can face when they fail to provide basic necessities for their children.
This case underscores the role of state agencies and community awareness in identifying and preventing severe child abuse and neglect, ensuring vulnerable children are protected from harm.