Authorities said the baby was found in distress inside a private maternity recovery room.
WEST READING, Pa. — Two parents have been charged with criminal homicide after their newborn son died from multiple traumatic injuries following a medical emergency at Tower Health Reading Hospital, Berks County authorities said.
Kevin Canaan, 28, of Reading, and Yeniffer Tavarez-Cepeda, 25, of New York City, also face aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children charges. The case centers on what investigators described as a short period inside a private maternity recovery room on May 2, when the infant was found in distress after earlier appearing healthy.
West Reading police were called to the hospital May 2 for a report of suspected child abuse. Officers were told the newborn boy had been found pale, limp and breathing loudly inside the maternity ward, according to accounts of the criminal complaint. The baby was flown to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center for advanced neonatal care. He died the next day, May 3.
Medical workers told investigators the injuries were not tied to the birth process and were consistent with physical abuse. An autopsy performed May 5 at the Dauphin County Forensic Center found the baby died from multiple traumatic injuries. His death was ruled a homicide. Authorities have not publicly released the child’s full name beyond identifying him as a newborn boy.
Investigators with the Berks County District Attorney’s Office and West Reading police said the baby was under the supervision of Canaan and Tavarez-Cepeda when the injuries were inflicted. They said hospital wellness checks helped narrow the timeline. Authorities also alleged the parents saw the infant in medical distress but did not alert staff.
Berks County District Attorney John Adams said the allegations are among the worst he has seen. The charges were filed May 19, and arrest warrants were issued. Canaan and Tavarez-Cepeda were taken into custody and brought to the Berks County Sheriff’s Central Processing Center for fingerprinting, photographs and arraignment.
Court records cited in local reports did not list attorneys who could speak on behalf of either defendant. Prosecutors have not said whether they believe one parent caused the injuries or whether both are accused under the same theory of responsibility. The investigation remains focused on the private recovery room and the documented timing of hospital checks.
The next step in the case is the defendants’ first court proceedings in Berks County, where prosecutors are expected to outline the allegations in greater detail. The criminal charges remain accusations, and Canaan and Tavarez-Cepeda are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Author note: Last updated May 20, 2026.