Infant Death Investigation – New Holland Borough

 

David Lee Souden, a 47-year-old New Holland man has been charged with Murder of the Third Degree in the death of his infant daughter following an investigation by the West Earl Township Police Department.

 

On February 1, 2026, at approximately 5:33 p.m., West Earl Township Police, along with New Holland Ambulance, responded to a residence in the 100 block of Wecaf Road, New Holland Borough, for a reported cardiac arrest involving an infant who was not breathing.

 

Upon arrival, first responders located a female infant unresponsive in a bassinet. Emergency medical personnel immediately initiated life-saving measures. The child was transported to Lancaster General Hospital and subsequently flown to Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition.

 

Later that evening, the East Earl Police Department notified West Earl Township Police that David Lee Soudon had arrived at their station and requested to speak with a detective. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Soudon agreed to an interview with West Earl Township Police Detective Heather Halstead. During that interview, Soudon made statements admitting to shaking the infant while he was the sole caregiver at the residence, believing that he had killed her.

 

Video surveillance obtained during the investigation shows Soudon leaving the residence prior to emergency responders arriving.

 

Based on the facts known at the time, Soudon was initially charged with:

 

Aggravated Assault (Felony 1)

 

Endangering the Welfare of Children (Felony 2)

 

On February 5, 2026, the infant was pronounced deceased at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.

 

As a result of the continued investigation and the infant’s death, Soudon has additionally been charged with:

 

Murder of the Third Degree – Felony 1

 

Charges were filed by Detective Heather Halstead.

 

Souden currently remains incarcerated in the Lancaster County Prison.