LEESBURG, FL – A Florida couple received hefty prison sentences following the tragic death of their infant daughter, who was discovered severely underweight and neglected. Margaret Elizabeth Lehman, 27, will serve 13 years, while Mark Edward Brittian Jr., 30, was sentenced to 13 years and three months, according to the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office.
The couple pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in the death of their 11-month-old daughter, Marcelyn Brittian, who passed away weighing a mere 13 pounds. Judge Cary F. Rada delivered the sentences, underscoring the gravity of the neglect.
State Attorney Bill Gladson condemned the parents’ actions, highlighting the harsh realities faced by their child and noting, “This is disgusting, the most vulnerable of our society has been victimized by the most evil.”
Authorities discovered Marcelyn on September 2, 2021, following a distress call about an unresponsive infant. Despite efforts to save Marcelyn, she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at a nearby hospital. Officials described her physical condition as dire, with her body showing signs of severe neglect and malnutrition.
Police reports detailed disturbing conditions in the household. The infant was found covered in dirt and dried feces, with significant bruising and sunken eyes. Her weight was alarmingly low for her age, an indicator of prolonged undernourishment.
The home itself was in disarray, described as “deplorable” by responding officers, who were overwhelmed by the odors of garbage and rotting food upon entering. The infant’s playpen lacked bedding, compounding the distressing environment in which she lived.
During police interviews, both Lehman and Brittian claimed they believed their daughter was healthy, though evidence suggested otherwise. They mentioned she appeared feverish and had little appetite in the days preceding her death. Further investigation revealed that she likely hadn’t eaten for several days.
The neglect extended beyond the deceased infant, as another child in the home was placed under the care of relatives following the couple’s arrest. The family dynamic was further strained by Brittian’s admission to infrequent involvement in caregiving and his positive cocaine test.
This case of Marcelyn Brittian highlights the severe consequences of parental neglect and has left an indelible mark on the community in Leesburg, serving as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children in similar circumstances.