GRAFTON, W.Va. — A third person has been charged in connection with the death of an 11-year-old Taylor County girl who was found to be malnourished to the point where she weighed 43 pounds at the time of her death back in February 2025.
Taylor County Prosecutor Jonathan Board confirmed on Friday that Tyler Carter, 29, of Grafton, is charged with murder of a child by a parent, guardian, custodian, or other person in the death of Miana Moran.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Taylor County Magistrate Court, Carter allegedly lived with the girl’s father, Aaron Moran, and her primary caregiver, Shannon Robinson, both of whom have been charged with murder of a child by a parent, guardian, or custodian by refusal or failure to provide necessities, and child neglect resulting in death. All three are alleged to have knowingly failed to provide necessary food, nutrition and medical care, creating prolonged conditions of starvation and untreated illness that led to the girl’s death.
In the complaint, Grafton County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chris MacQueen noted that investigators determined that Carter allegedly lived in Robinson’s home starting back in 2020. During that time, Carter occasionally babysat Miana Moran and was aware that food deprivation was being used by Robinson as a form of punishment. Carter was also allegedly aware that Aaron Moran allowed for his daughter to be in those conditions.
Investigators discovered through witness interviews that the girl was allegedly isolated from others during that time while only being provided minimal nourishment, while others in the home ate full meals.
Carter, who was considered to be the ‘psychological brother’ of Miana Moran, was also allegedly aware of her declining health as well as Robinson’s refusal to seek medical care for the girl under fears of being reported for child abuse and neglect.
According to statements made by Jason McDaniel of the Taylor County Medical Examiner’s Office in the complaint, Moran was about 47 inches tall and weighed 43 pounds at the time of her death, both of which were “grossly inconsistent” with her age.
Her death was determined to be caused by bilateral acute bronchopneumonia, with failure to thrive listed as a contributing factor.
The complaint also stated that Carter and another household member had discussed a plan to get the girl out of the home and seek help, but ultimately never acted on it.
An investigation into Miana Moran’s death remains ongoing.
Tyler Carter is in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail. There is currently no bail set.