Florida father sentenced to 15 years for starving infant twins

A Florida father was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Thursday for starving his 5‑month‑old twin boys, after he told police the infants were “naturally thin like me.” The twins were rushed to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children when their mother found one of them unresponsive, and doctors later confirmed severe malnutrition and dehydration.

The case highlights a growing concern over child neglect in the United States, where the National Center for Health Statistics reports thousands of infants die each year from preventable causes. In Florida, child‑protective services have seen a surge in investigations since the pandemic, prompting lawmakers to push for tougher penalties. The father, identified as John Somersall, had previously been flagged by social workers for missed medical appointments, but no criminal charges were filed until the twins’ condition became life‑threatening.

During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Somersall deliberately withheld food and formula for months, despite the family’s receipt of government assistance. A pediatrician testified that the twins weighed less than half the expected weight for their age and showed signs of chronic neglect. The judge accepted a plea agreement that included a 15‑year prison term, three years of supervised release, and a lifetime ban on contact with the children. The mother, identified as Lisa Smith, received a five‑year sentence for child endangerment and will serve her time concurrently with her husband’s sentence.

The sentencing sends a clear message to caregivers that neglect will be met with severe consequences. Somersall’s attorneys have indicated they will file an appeal, arguing that the sentence exceeds statutory limits. Meanwhile, child‑welfare advocates say the case underscores the need for earlier intervention and better coordination between medical providers and protective services. The twins remain in the care of the state, awaiting a permanent placement that will address their medical and developmental needs.