5-Year-Old Boy Dies After Alleged Severe Neglect

A 5-year-old boy in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, died on Jan. 1 while severely underweight; his parents have been arrested and charged, and an autopsy is pending.

A 5-year-old boy in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, was found unresponsive on Jan. 1 and later died at a hospital. Authorities reported the child was severely underweight and opened an investigation into apparent injuries and neglect. Deputies executed a search of the family home and described the living conditions as poor. The boy's parents have been arrested and charged, and an autopsy is pending. Known details: - Deputies responded to a reported medical emergency on Jan. 1 and emergency personnel performed lifesaving measures before the child died at a hospital. - Investigators reported the child was severely malnourished and said it was unclear when he last ate; an autopsy is pending. - The parents, identified by authorities, were arrested and booked on charges including negligent homicide and second-degree cruelty to juveniles; three other children from the home were removed and the investigation is ongoing. Summary: The arrests followed reports of apparent injuries and severe malnourishment found during an investigation of the child's death. An autopsy is pending and the criminal investigation remains active; additional or upgraded charges are pending.