Louisiana authorities have charged two parents following the death of their 5-year-old son, who investigators say was severely malnourished and weighed only 19 pounds at the time of his death.
Officials described the case as one of the most disturbing instances of child neglect they have encountered.
Marlon Perrilloux, 33, and Raynisa Young, 27, are facing multiple charges, including cruelty to juveniles, negligent homicide, and drug-related offenses.
According to investigators, the child was bedridden, had never left the home, and was suffering from extreme neglect.
Emergency responders rushed the child to a local hospital, where medical teams attempted lifesaving measures for nearly 45 minutes before he was pronounced dead.
Authorities confirmed that the investigation remains active and additional or upgraded charges may follow.
The state has since removed three other children from the home as the case continues to unfold.
