ERIE, Pa. (January 23, 2026) Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz announces today that charges have been filed against three individuals in connection with the death of an 8-year-old child.

Teanna Fuller, the child’s biological mother, Joseph Ambrose, the mother’s boyfriend, and Patrick Hayes, the child’s biological father, have been charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, Aggravated Assault, Endangering Welfare of Children, Simple Assault, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person. 

In the early morning of January 22, 2024, members of the Erie Police Department responded to a 911 call from Joseph Ambrose, who relayed that he found the 8- year-old male victim unresponsive in his bedroom at 709 West 16^th Street.  EMS arrived on scene and noted no signs of life were evident.  Joseph Ambrose informed EPD officers he resided at the address with the victim’s mother, Teanna Fuller.  The victim’s biological father, Patrick Hayes, lived in Millcreek. 

EPD officers and EMS described the living conditions at 709 West 16^th Street as deplorable and cluttered, with an infestation of roaches and bedbugs.

An autopsy was conducted by Dr. Eric Vey.  Dr. Vey opined that the cause of death was bilateral bronchopheumonia.

Erie Police Detective Sergeant Ron Pilarski and Detective Sergeant Dave Madurski commenced an investigation, which revealed the victim was displaying symptoms of pneumonia since the end of November 2023.  Detectives learned through interviews with Ambrose, Fuller and Hayes that each of them were aware of the victim’s declining health, yet none of them sought medical attention or took reasonable steps to address his serious medical needs.

Erie County Forensic Pathologist Dr. Todd Luckasevic reviewed the investigative materials and concluded the victim’s death was preventable and that appropriate medical treatment would have saved the child’s life.

“This case is not about a mistake or misjudgment,” said DA Hirz.  “It’s about a sustained failure to act in the face of a child’s obvious medical distress.  This child was profoundly failed by the adults responsible for his care and protection.”

Fuller and Ambrose were arraigned on January 17, 2026, by Magisterial District Judge Timothy S. Beveridge, who set bail for each at $100,000 cash.  Judge Beveridge also arraigned Hayes on January 22, 2026, and set bond at $100,000 cash. 

The preliminary hearing for all defendants is scheduled for February 4, 2026, before Magisterial District Judge Alison M. Scarpitti. 

As with all criminal cases, charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Approved for release:

Elizabeth Hirz