Instagram/Bernice Byrd & Gerald Byr Celebrity Maryland parents plead guilty in death of 5-year-old Zona Byrd from extreme neglect. Justice served for tragic child abuse case. March 16, 2026 AceShowbiz - Two parents in Maryland have been taken into custody following the tragic death of their 5-year-old daughter due to extreme malnourishment. Authorities revealed that Bernice Byrd and Gerald Byrd pleaded guilty to first-degree child abuse resulting in death, as well as first-degree child abuse concerning their daughter, Zona Byrd.