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Inset: Tyler L. Carter (WVDCR). Background: The area in West Virginia where Carter and the victim lived (Google Maps).
A West Virginia man, aged 29, is facing murder charges after being accused of neglecting to act while an 11-year-old girl, whom prosecutors describe as his “psychological sister,” suffered from starvation and lack of medical care.
Authorities arrested Tyler Levi Carter last week, charging him with the murder of a child by someone in a position of trust. This charge is linked to the tragic death of Miana Moran, as indicated by court documents.
Earlier this year, Law&Crime reported that Miana’s father, Aaron Moran, 42, and stepmother, Shannon Robinson, 51, were charged following allegations of severe neglect within the household.
Prosecutors claim that Carter lived in the same residence as Miana and occasionally served as her babysitter. They argue that he was fully aware of her deteriorating conditions, noting her lack of food and medical attention, yet he chose not to intervene. According to the Mountain Statesman, despite having numerous chances to help, he remained passive.
Taylor County Prosecutor John Bord expressed his disapproval of Carter’s inaction, telling West Virginia Public Broadcasting, “He should have done something. He was in a position of trust with those girls. He could have contacted Child Protective Services, law enforcement, or a doctor. He could have reached out to someone for help for the girl.”
According to the criminal complaint, Carter and another household member discussed a plan to remove the girl from the home and seek help but never followed through.
Authorities said Carter also acknowledged the child had been sick “for a little while” and was using diapers due to prolonged diarrhea. Deputies later learned the girl had gone years without documented medical care.
Investigators described the child’s physical condition as extreme. An autopsy found she was about 47 inches tall and weighed just 43 pounds — measurements the medical examiner called “grossly inconsistent with her chronological age.” The report also documented head lice, a yellowish tint to her skin, visible bones, and multiple bruises and lacerations across her body.
“The medical examiner further noted head lice, a yellowish tint to the skin, extreme thinness with bones visibly protruding, and multiple bruises and lacerations on the extremities and torso,” police wrote in the affidavit for Robinson’s arrest. “The report noted [Miana] was markedly underweight, with height and weight well below the fifth percentile for her age and sex.”
Authorities ultimately determined that Miana died from bilateral, diffuse, acute bronchopneumonia, with failure to thrive listed as a contributing factor.
Deputies said Carter and another household member discovered the girl in a bedroom, initially believing she was asleep. When they tried to wake her, she was cold to the touch, partially unresponsive, and not breathing.
Prosecutors allege multiple adults in the home allowed the conditions that led to Miana’s death to persist over time.
Investigators previously alleged that the child’s father and primary caregiver isolated her from others while her condition worsened to the point she could no longer walk without assistance and spent most of her time sleeping. Witnesses told authorities she was denied food as punishment, sometimes receiving only minimal nourishment while others in the home ate full meals in front of her.
“Further investigation revealed that food deprivation was used as a method of punishment toward [Miana],” an affidavit said. “Witnesses stated that if [Miana] resisted or ‘pushed back’ against Ms. Robinson, she would be denied food or provided only minimal nourishment for extended periods, while other household members consumed full meals in her presence.”
Authorities also alleged the adults avoided seeking medical care because they feared being reported for abuse or neglect due to her condition.
Carter remains held without bond at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail. The investigation is ongoing, and prosecutors said additional details may emerge as they continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.