A 29-year-old Pennsylvania man has been charged after his 2-year-old daughter was found nearly frozen outside in freezing temperatures while he slept inside, allegedly unaware of her condition. Joshua Ryan Kitner is facing charges of aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child following the harrowing incident in January 2026 in Cumberland County.
The Tragic Incident
According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, Kitner woke up around 5 p.m. on January 29 to find his daughter outside his home on Steelstown Road in North Newton Township, wearing only a T-shirt and a diaper. The temperature was in the teens, and the region had experienced up to a foot of snow from a winter storm.
Kitner told investigators that he believed his daughter had been locked outside while letting the dog out to use the bathroom. He admitted to being hungover from the night before, during which he drank eight or nine beers, and was the only adult present to care for the child.
Kitner allegedly found his daughter seated on the ground, dozing off, with her feet and toes frozen and turning purple, nearly black. Authorities said the child was suffering from severe frostbite and was rushed to the hospital. She spent about a week in the burn unit and required a month of follow-up medical care. The frostbite on her feet was so severe that surgery was nearly needed.
Charges and Arrest
Following the investigation, Kitner was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child. He was taken to the Cumberland County Prison, where he posted a $20,000 bond. Kitner’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 21, 2026.
In addition to Kitner’s charges, two women, ages 27 and 30, have been charged with obstructing a Cumberland County Children and Youth Services investigation and failing to comply with a court order related to the case.
Community Shock
The case has shocked the community, as the child endured such severe harm while under her father’s care. The incident highlights the dangers of neglect and the consequences of failing to properly care for vulnerable children. Authorities are continuing to work on the case, and the child’s recovery from her injuries is ongoing.
