Three Family Members Charged in Connection with Death of a Teenage Boy

Teenager Found Severely Underweight, Suffers Negligence-Induced Death

Duncan, South Carolina — A shocking case of child neglect has emerged from Spartanburg County, where authorities have reportedly charged three family members in connection with the tragic death of 13-year-old Robert Blake Fish. On his death, the teen was merely 47 pounds, a heartrending revelation that has triggered outrage among the residents.

Family Charged with Murder and Child Neglect

An extensive investigation into the case has indicated extreme negligence and gross abuse from the family members. Robert Blake Fish died on October 8, 2022, with the coroner’s report highlighting malnutrition, dehydration, and withholding of mandatory seizure medication as the key causes. Authorities revealed that the teen had been diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome early in life, an uncommon condition notable for causing severe epilepsy and developmental delays.

The boy’s mother, Hope Fish, along with Freddie Fish II, and Freddie Fish Sr., have been arrested and booked into the Spartanburg County Detention Center on April 24, 2024. Hope Fish is facing charges of murder, felony child abuse, and unlawful neglect of a child, while Robert’s uncle, Freddie Fish II, has been charged with being an accessory to murder and also neglecting a child. Freddie Fish Sr., the grandfather and acting primary caretaker when Hope was at work, has been charged with child neglect.

Child Suffered Lack of Medical Attention

A harrowing account of the investigation revealed that responders had discovered the underweight teen unattended on his porch. Detectives found a bottle of seizure medication prescribed to Robert that had been filled five months prior, but shockingly, still contained 85 leftover pills. It was inferred that his mother, Hope Fish, had been withholding the medication from him.

Preliminary Court Hearing

In a resent court hearing, Hope Fish and Freddie Fish II were denied bail, while Freddie Fish Sr. was granted a $5,000 bond. Further trial proceedings are expected to take place in the upcoming weeks, as the investigating authorities gather more evidence.

An obituary for 13-year-old Robert described him as an individual who “never met a stranger,” and was “always smiling and making those around him laugh.” He loved Mickey Mouse, Christmas, and milkshakes. His life is a stark contrast to how he was allegedly treated by his family.

The case shines a light on the extreme forms of child neglect, a perennial societal issue that requires urgent and undivided attention from all sectors of society. This heartbreaking incident is a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure the safety and livelihoods of the most vulnerable segments of our communities. It is our hope that such actions are penalized with the full force of the law, serving as a stiff deterrent to such flagrant disregard for human life.