An Ohio father was last Tuesday for his role in the death of his four-year-old daughter, who died from complications of undiagnosed diabetes after being fed a diet primarily consisting of Mountain Dew.
Christopher Hoeb, 53, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in March and received a sentence of nine to 13-and-a-half years in prison.
The child's mother, Tamara Banks, 42, received a similar sentence last month after also pleading guilty to the same charge.
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Prosecutors revealed that the child, Karmity Hoeb, was never taken to a doctor for her diabetes and was instead given Mountain Dew in a baby bottle as her primary source of nourishment. This led to severe tooth decay and ultimately, diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition caused by high blood sugar levels.
The case came to light after Karmity was found unresponsive in her home in 2020. Investigators discovered the child had been severely neglected, with a diet almost exclusively consisting of soda.
Medical professionals testified that with proper care and a balanced diet, Karmity's diabetes could have been managed, and her death prevented.
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"This is a heartbreaking case of neglect and a preventable tragedy," said Clermont County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Clay Tharp during Hoeb's sentencing hearing. "Karmity deserved better, and her parents failed her in the worst possible way."
The case has sparked outrage and calls for greater awareness of child neglect and the importance of proper nutrition for children with diabetes.
Both Hoeb and Banks have expressed remorse for their actions, but their apologies have been met with skepticism and anger from the community, according to Local12.
Child welfare advocates hope that this case will serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting a child's basic needs and the importance of seeking medical care for children with chronic conditions.
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