The family of 4-year-old Jah’meik Modlin said he’s now free from pain and suffering.

He was laid to rest in a tiny casket, a size some said shouldn’t be made.


What You Need To Know

  • The family of Jah’meik Modlin held a funeral for the 4-year-old on Tuesday in Brooklyn

  • State Attorney General Letitia James spoke at the funeral and said the State Child Fatality Review Board will investigate Modlin’s death, and she’ll push for the report to be made public

  • The city's public advocate and the chief of the NYPD were some of the city leaders who spoke. The family said they invited Mayor Eric Adams, but he declined the invitation

  • According to the family, the mother reported mental health issues and domestic violence to the city’s Administration for Children’s Services. They’re suing the city for $40 million

“The community is embracing this family. They have been in turmoil since it happened,” family advisor Kevin McCall said.

The little boy died at the hospital earlier this month after being found severely malnourished in his Harlem apartment.

At his funeral Tuesday, there was a chorus of calls for justice and accountability.

“The best way to work through this pain is to ensure no child in this city or state dies again from starvation,” state Attorney General Letitia James said.

James spoke at the funeral held in Brooklyn.

She said the State Child Fatality Review Board will investigate Modlin’s death, and she’ll push for the report to be made public.

“I promise you, to hold anyone who is responsible in the death of this child accountable,” James said.

According to James, the review will ensure the city’s Administration for Children’s Services, also known as ACS, complies with all applicable laws and policies.

The city’s public advocate and the chief of the NYPD were some of the city leaders who spoke. The family said they invited Mayor Eric Adams, but he declined the invitation.

The family of Modlin’s mother, Nytavia Ragsdale, said ACS bears the responsibility for the death of the child after allegedly failing to help the mother.  

They said she reported mental health issues and domestic violence to the agency.

They’re suing the city for $40 million.