Toddler, 2, starved to death in Geneva, New York apartment after father died of heart disease

A two-year-old boy was found starved to death after being left to fend for himself when his father died in their apartment in Geneva, New York. 

David Conde Jr., described as 'a beautiful baby boy with curly locks’, was found in the same bedroom as David Conde Sr., 59, after alarm was raised when they hadn’t been seen for around a week.

The toddler had recently learned to walk, following several surgeries and months of casts and rehabilitation, despite his medical condition at birth.

Upon discovering them, investigators told reporters that there was no visible evidence of trauma on their bodies.

They were found on February 15, according to a news release from the Ontario County Sheriff's Office, but their tragic cause of death has only now been released.

A news release from the Ontario County Sheriff's Office states that David Conde Sr., 59, and his son, David Conde Jr. were found dead in an apartment on Hamilton Street on February 15, 2022. On Monday, deputies announced that Conde Sr. died of natural causes due to cardiovascular disease. His son passed away sometime afterwards, deputies said

On Monday, deputies announced that Conde Sr. died of natural causes due to cardiovascular disease.

His son died of starvation sometime afterwards, deputies said.

The news release said: 'It is believed Mr. Conde passed away first and the child was not able to obtain any nourishment after his father passed.'

When the bodies were found, deputies told reporters that they had been contacted to visit the apartment for a welfare check. 

When the bodies were discovered, deputies told reporters that they were contacted to visit the apartment for a welfare check after there had been no sign of the father and son for around a week. They were found in the bedroom of the apartment, Lt. Joe Murphy said on Tuesday

The Democrat and Chronicle reported that investigators said Conde Sr. had gained custody of the two-year-old shortly after he was born.

Ontario County Sheriff’s Lt. David Cirencione said that the mother did not appear to be in contact with the child, according to the publication.

The investigation into their deaths has been officially closed, deputies said on Monday.

Conde Jr.'s obituary notes that he had ‘a determined smile and sweet disposition'.

A memorial was held for the toddler on March 16 at Covert Funeral Home in Ovid.

He was survived by his mother, Michelle Travers, and her partner, Marshall Watson, of Newark.

Conde Jr. also had six brothers, Caden, Rickey, Ryan, Justin, Julian and Kayshaun; as well as a sister, Kiera.