Don't be ridiculous. No one's suggesting Christie violated civil law. But, in the practical sense of the term, he was neglectful.
Everything he said in the quote is true. It seems he understands; he 'gets' it.
Such a sad life for this little girl. Did the mother's boyfriend show up at the funeral? Did he speak?
The biggest neglect it seems was in her home life most evident by her final night alive.