A 29-year-old man from Pennsylvania has been charged with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child after authorities allege his 2-year-old daughter nearly froze to death outside in subzero temperatures while he slept for hours. The incident occurred in January 2026 in Cumberland County, during a winter storm that brought temperatures in the teens and up to a foot of snow to the region.
Child Left Outside in Dangerous Cold
Joshua Ryan Kitner, the father of the child, is accused of failing to properly care for his daughter, who was left outside his home in North Newton Township in extremely cold conditions. According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, Kitner told investigators that he woke up around 5 p.m. to find his daughter outside, seemingly locked out of the house after attempting to let the family dog outside.
Kitner, who admitted to being hungover after drinking eight or nine beers the night before, claimed that the child was sitting outside in a T-shirt and a diaper, “dozing off.” He stated that the child’s feet were frozen and purple, with signs of severe frostbite. The little girl was reportedly cold, with her toes and feet turning almost black.
Frostbite and Medical Emergency
Paramedics rushed the 2-year-old girl to the hospital, where she spent about a week in the burn unit to treat the severe frostbite. Doctors noted that the worst of the frostbite was on her feet, which nearly required surgery. After her release, the child had to attend additional doctor’s appointments for follow-up care.
Authorities have said that Kitner was the sole adult responsible for watching the child that day. His actions, or lack thereof, during the storm have raised concerns about his negligence and the dangerous conditions the child was exposed to.
Legal Consequences and Charges
Troopers with the Pennsylvania State Police filed charges against Kitner on May 6, 2026. He was arrested and taken to Cumberland County Prison, where he posted a $20,000 bond. His next court date is scheduled for May 21, 2026.
Additionally, two women, aged 27 and 30, have been charged in connection with the case for obstructing a Cumberland County Children and Youth Services investigation and failing to comply with a court order related to the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
This disturbing incident has highlighted the dangers of neglect and the severe consequences of leaving a young child exposed to life-threatening cold without proper care or supervision. Authorities continue to investigate the case, and Kitner faces serious legal repercussions for his role in the tragic events.
