WEST CHESTER, PA — Authorities say a late-night hospital report led to the arrest of a Philadelphia man now facing multiple serious charges after a non-verbal man with cerebral palsy was found with extensive injuries consistent with repeated physical abuse.
According to the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 9:00 p.m. on December 23, 2025, to Chester County Hospital, where a 31-year-old male assault victim was receiving medical treatment. Police said the victim, who is non-verbal and has cerebral palsy, exhibited a recent injury to the left side of his body, along with more than two dozen marks observed across his body.
Investigators determined the injuries were consistent with being struck by a looped cable, according to police. The victim resides at an assisted-care facility in East Goshen Township and was allegedly under the care of 34-year-old Steven Randolp Edler of Philadelphia at the time of the reported incident.
Following an investigation, police said a warrant was issued for Edler on December 24, 2025. He was taken into custody later that day at his Philadelphia residence with assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department.
Edler is charged with aggravated assault, neglect of a care-dependent person, simple assault, reckless endangerment, and false imprisonment. He is currently being held at Chester County Prison, with bail set at 10% of $150,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 5, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
All charges described are allegations. Any suspect, arrestee, or defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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