A father in New York has been sentenced to 27 years to life in prison for the 2024 starvation death of his 5-year-old daughter, Charlotte Buskey. Robert Buskey Jr., 35, pleaded guilty to the charges on January 23, and was sentenced on April 3. Buskey, a former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, has been in custody since his arrest in April 2024 following the discovery of his daughter’s body.
Discovery of Charlotte’s Death
First responders arrived at the family home after receiving a report of an unresponsive child. Upon entering, they found Charlotte’s emaciated body inside a portable crib in a locked bedroom.
The home was described as being in deplorable condition, with a stocked kitchen but no signs that Charlotte had been fed. Tragically, her 3-year-old brother was found in a makeshift cage in the living room. Both children tested positive for cocaine.
A History of Neglect and Malnutrition
Schenectady County Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Christina Tremante explained that this was not a quick death but rather one resulting from months of neglect and malnutrition. Charlotte, who weighed 40 pounds at age 2½, had dropped to 30 pounds by the time she passed away at age 5.
Tremante described Buskey’s actions as “the definition of depraved, wicked, evil, inhuman state of mind.” Neighbors reported hearing Charlotte’s cries, but unfortunately, no intervention occurred in time to save her.
Buskey’s Apology and Defense
In court, Buskey expressed remorse, saying, “I deserve it. I understand why I am being prosecuted here. I understand the reasons why everyone looks at me as a monster.” His public defender, Joseph Litz, noted that Buskey had a history of mental health and substance abuse struggles.
Litz argued that others, including neighbors, family members, and Child Protective Services (CPS), could have intervened to help Charlotte. However, Judge Matthew Sypniewski emphasized that the case was not about the county’s mental health or child protection services but about the severity of Buskey’s actions.
Court’s Ruling and Future Legal Actions
Although parole remains a possibility, Judge Sypniewski described the case as one of the worst the county had ever seen. Buskey’s son is now living with a relative, and as part of the plea agreement, a protection order prohibiting any contact between him and his father was issued. Additionally, Buskey is scheduled to appear in family court in April for a further order of protection regarding his son.
