---
id: 2c1c8e9998
section: safety
first_reported: 2026-11-12 18:24 EST
updated: 2026-11-12 20:44 EST
status: reported
outlets: 4
---

# Baltimore parents sentenced to 60 years in 5-year-old's death

Bernice and Gerald Byrd were each sentenced to life in prison with all but 60 years suspended, after pleading guilty in the death of their 5-year-old daughter.

Section: [Public Safety](/baltimore/section/safety.md) · Entities: [Bernice Byrd](/baltimore/wiki/bernice-byrd.md), [Gerald Byrd](/baltimore/wiki/gerald-byrd.md), [Dana Middleton](/baltimore/wiki/dana-middleton.md)

## Coverage

- [WMAR-2 News (ABC)](https://www.wmar2news.com/local/parents-sentenced-to-60-years-after-5-year-old-daughter-died-of-malnutrition), 2026-11-12 18:24 EST: Parents sentenced to 60 years after 5-year-old daughter died of malnutrition
- [FOX45 News (WBFF)](https://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/baltimore-parents-sentenced-starving-5-daughter-death-child-abuse-starvation), 2026-11-12 18:27 EST: Baltimore parents sentenced after starving 5-year-old daughter to death
- [The Baltimore Banner](https://www.thebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/zona-byrd-parents-sentenced-EXNVYSI3HVB6BOQ25565W2N574/), 2026-11-12 19:07 EST: Baltimore parents who starved their daughter to death sentenced to 60 years
- [WJZ CBS News Baltimore](https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/baltimore-zona-byrd-child-abuse-parents-sentenced/), 2026-11-12 20:44 EST: Baltimore parents sentenced to 60 years for starving 5-year-old to death; judge slams social services

Headline and summary written by the Acta Diurna desk from the coverage above. Read the original reporting for full detail.