A caretaker called 911 saying a child had fallen out a window. What doctors found didn't match that story at all.
Zya Singleton, a 4-year-old girl from Philadelphia, died on November 3, 2019, after suffering sustained abuse over an extended period while in the care of her guardian, Samiya Brown.
A Call to 911
On October 30, 2019, Brown called police saying Zya had fallen from a second-story window while playing with a cat. When officers arrived, they found Zya in a bathroom, and she was rushed to a hospital before being transferred to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Medical staff quickly determined her injuries were inconsistent with a fall, and doctors documented extensive signs of long-term abuse and severe malnourishment. Zya died four days later from complications including sepsis.
A Pattern of Abuse
Given Zya's age, we won't itemize the specific injuries documented by medical examiners; what's publicly established is that prosecutors and medical staff described the abuse as severe, sustained, and among the most serious cases of child abuse local officials had encountered. Records showed Zya hadn't been seen by a doctor since April 2016, despite having lived in Brown's care for roughly two years after her biological mother placed her there through a notarized agreement.
Charges and Sentencing
Samiya Brown was charged with murder and endangering the welfare of a child. She later pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child, and possession of an instrument of crime. In 2022, a judge imposed the maximum sentence available, 30 to 60 years in prison, saying she wanted to limit any possibility that Brown could ever have access to children again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Samiya Brown convicted?
Yes. She pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and related charges and was sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison.
How long had Zya been in Brown's care?
Approximately two years, after her biological mother placed her there through a notarized custody agreement.
Were other children removed from the home?
Yes. Brown's own children, ranging in age from 2 to 13, were removed from the home by Philadelphia's Department of Human Services and placed with their fathers.