A Pennsylvania father whose 2-year-old daughter was found outside in freezing conditions during a winter storm has learned his fate in court. Joshua Ryan Kitner, 29, pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child and was sentenced to two years of probation after prosecutors dropped more serious aggravated assault charges.
Toddler Found Outside During Severe Winter Weather
The incident happened in January in North Newton Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. Authorities said the young girl was outside the family home during extremely cold weather while wearing only a T-shirt and diaper.
According to investigators, Kitner was the only adult responsible for the child at the time. He later told police that he had consumed eight or nine beers the previous night and was suffering from a hangover when he fell asleep.
When he eventually woke up, he reportedly discovered his daughter outside with the family’s 3-month-old puppy. Investigators said Kitner believed the toddler may have opened the door to let the dog outside and then accidentally become locked outdoors.
Child Suffered Serious Frostbite
Emergency responders found the child suffering from hypothermia and severe frostbite. Her feet were described as blue and purple, while medical examinations later determined that she had fourth-degree frostbite on both feet and third-degree frostbite on one hand.
The toddler was taken to a hospital and later treated in a burn unit, where she remained for approximately a week. Following her release, she required additional medical appointments and follow-up treatment for more than a month. Some of the injuries to her feet were severe enough that surgery was reportedly considered.
Father Pleads Guilty and Receives Probation
Kitner was initially charged with felony aggravated assault involving a child as well as endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested in May and released on $20,000 unsecured bail.
On September 22, he pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child. Under the resolution of the case, the aggravated assault charges were dismissed, and Kitner received a two-year probation sentence.
The case has drawn attention to the dangers children can face during extreme winter weather, particularly when they are left without adequate supervision. The child’s long-term recovery following the severe frostbite remains an important concern.
