BRONX COUPLE INDICTED FOR MURDER IN THE DEATH OF THEIR 3-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER

 

Defendants Also Indicted for Assault Due to the Condition of Her Brother

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx couple have been indicted for Murder, Manslaughter, Assault and related charges in connection with the death of their 3-year-old daughter and the neglect and malnutrition of their son. 

District Attorney Clark said, “These precious children were found in deplorable conditions. Sadly, the little girl could not be saved. These defendants allegedly failed to adequately feed and care for their children. They will be held accountable for their actions.” 

District Attorney Clark said that defendant Calvin Harris, 37, the Bronx, was arraigned today on second-degree Murder, first-degree Manslaughter, Assault and related charges by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Audrey Stone. He was remanded. Defendant Ymonzherae Gill, 35, the Bronx, was arraigned on October 19, 2026, on second-degree Murder, first-degree Manslaughter, Assault and related charges by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Audrey Stone. Bail was set at $500,000 cash/$750,000 bond/$750,000 partially secured bond at 10%. They are due back in court on December 9, 2026. 

According to the investigation, on March 3, 2026, the defendants called 911 to report that their 3-year-old daughter, Essence Gill Harris, was having trouble breathing. Paramedics responded to the family’s apartment on East 215th Street and transported Essence to Montefiore Medical Center, where Essence was pronounced dead not long after arriving at the hospital. The NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide as the result of acute and chronic neglect including malnutrition and dehydration. The male child was severely malnourished and was hospitalized for one month.

District Attorney Clark also thanked NYPD Detective Kyle Keiser from Bronx South Homicide Squad and NYPD Detective Robert Regnier, of the 47th Precinct Detective Squad for their work in the investigation.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.