A Pennsylvania mother and father are facing murder charges following the death of their 2-year-old son, who authorities say died from sustained physical abuse while being denied medical care.

Cynthia Robinson, 34, has been charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder in the third degree, four counts of endangering the welfare of children, and three counts of aggravated assault. Frank Walton Sr., 58, faces charges of third-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder in the third degree, involuntary manslaughter, and four counts of endangering the welfare of children.

The investigation began on November 5, 2025, when Chester Police Department officers responded to a residence on the 900 block of Butler Street in Chester around 11 p.m. They had received reports of an unresponsive toddler in cardiac arrest with possible head trauma. The child was transported to a local hospital where medical staff pronounced him dead. A subsequent examination determined the cause of death to be blunt force trauma to the head and torso.

Three other children were present in the home at the time of the incident. Robinson initially told investigators that one of her other children was responsible for the toddler’s death. However, detectives determined through their investigation that the scenarios Robinson described were physically impossible and could not have occurred as she claimed.

Investigators uncovered evidence of a pattern of child abuse within the household. Robinson was already under supervision for endangering the welfare of a child stemming from previous instances of drug use in the presence of children.

According to court documents, witnesses reported disturbing incidents in the day before the child’s death. The toddler was observed bleeding, and Robinson was allegedly heard shouting profanities at the child, stating she was going to hit him and expressing frustration with caring for him. Witnesses reported she then dropped the child from waist height.

Prosecutors from the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office stated that Robinson physically beat her son to death while Walton prevented the child from receiving medical intervention that could have saved his life. Authorities contend that Walton’s refusal to seek medical help was an attempt to conceal the ongoing abuse, ultimately ensuring the child’s death.

Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse characterized the case as both heartbreaking and deeply troubling, emphasizing the fundamental breach of parental duty to protect and care for children.

Both suspects are currently in police custody. Robinson’s arraignment is scheduled for Monday. Walton has already been arraigned and was denied bail. His preliminary hearing has been set for April 28.

The case has drawn significant attention to issues of child welfare supervision and the effectiveness of monitoring systems for families with histories of abuse. The three surviving children who were present in the home during the incident are now under the care of child protective services as the criminal proceedings move forward.