3 family members charged in death of teen boy who weighed 47 pounds

DUNCAN, S.C. (FOX Carolina/Gray News) - The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said three family members have been charged in connection to the death of a 13-year-old boy from Spartanburg County.

An investigation was launched into the death of Robert Blake Fish, who died on Oct. 8, 2022.

The teen was diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome earlier in life, which is a severe medical condition that causes epilepsy and other developmental delays.

When first responders were called to his home in the fall of 2022, investigators said they found Robert left out on the porch.

The teen was only 47 pounds when he died, officials said.

After an autopsy was completed, the coroner’s office listed Robert’s death as malnutrition and dehydration. Other significant conditions included withholding seizure medication, the coroner reported.

The teen was supposed to be on multiple medications, but his mother, Hope Fish, was not giving them to him, according to authorities. Investigators said they found a bottle of seizure medicine for Robert at the home that had been filled five months earlier. The bottle still had 85 pills inside.

After a lengthy investigation, Hope Fish, Freddie Fish II and Freddie Fish Sr. were all charged and booked into the Spartanburg County Detention Center on April 24.

Hope Fish has been charged with murder, felony child abuse and unlawful neglect towards a child.

Freddie Fish II, Robert’s uncle, is facing charges for accessory to murder and unlawful neglect towards a child.

Freddie Fish Sr., his grandfather, has been charged with unlawful neglect towards a child.

When Hope Fish was working, Freddie Fish Sr. was the boy’s primary caretaker. Officials said Freddie Fish II was also a trained caretaker and did not help him.

During a Thursday court hearing, Hope Fish and Freddie Fish II were denied bond. Freddie Fish Sr. was given a $5,000 bond.

According to an obituary for the 13-year-old, he “never met a stranger,” and he was “always smiling and making those around him laugh.” He loved Mickey Mouse, Christmas and milkshakes.

“Robert was the definition of an angel on earth,” the obituary states.

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