Taylor County case centers on 11-year-old girl found severely malnourished and without care
GRAFTON, WV – A 29-year-old man described by prosecutors as an 11-year-old girl’s “psychological brother” is facing a murder charge after authorities say he failed to intervene as the child was starved and denied medical care inside a Taylor County home. Tyler Levi Carter was taken into custody last week in connection with the death of Miana Moran, whose condition investigators described as severely neglected over an extended period.
Court records show Carter is charged with one count of murder of a child by a parent, guardian, custodian, or other person of trust. Prosecutors allege he lived in the home and occasionally babysat the girl, placing him in a position where he was aware of her deteriorating health and living conditions.
Prosecutors outline failure to act
Officials say Carter knew the child was not receiving adequate food or medical treatment and did not take steps to seek help. “He should have done something,” Taylor County Prosecutor John Bord said. “He was a person in position of trust with those girls. He could have called CPS. He could have called the law enforcement. He could have called the doctor. He could have called somebody and asked for help for the girl.”
According to the criminal complaint, Carter and another household member discussed removing the girl from the home to seek assistance but did not follow through. Investigators said Carter acknowledged the child had been sick “for a little while” and was wearing diapers due to ongoing diarrhea.
Authorities said the girl had gone years without documented medical care. When deputies responded, Carter and another person reported finding her in a bedroom, initially believing she was asleep. She was later found unresponsive, cold to the touch, and not breathing.
Autopsy details severe neglect
An autopsy revealed the extent of the child’s condition. Investigators reported she measured about 47 inches tall and weighed 43 pounds, figures described as “grossly inconsistent with her chronological age.” The medical findings documented widespread signs of neglect.
“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. “The report noted [Miana] was markedly underweight, with height and weight well below the fifth percentile for her age and sex.”
Authorities determined the cause of death to be bilateral, diffuse, acute bronchopneumonia, with failure to thrive listed as a contributing factor.
Broader investigation into household conditions
Carter’s arrest follows earlier charges filed against the girl’s father, Aaron Moran, 42, and stepmother, Shannon Robinson, 51. Investigators allege the child endured prolonged neglect and isolation as her condition worsened.
Witnesses told authorities the girl was denied food as punishment and often forced to watch others eat. “Further investigation revealed that food deprivation was used as a method of punishment toward [Miana],” an affidavit states. “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.”
Investigators also allege adults in the home avoided seeking medical care out of fear that her condition would expose abuse or neglect. Prosecutors say multiple individuals allowed the circumstances leading to the child’s death to continue over time.
Carter remains held without bond at Tygart Valley Regional Jail as the investigation continues.