- A 5-year-old Louisiana boy died weighing approximately 19 pounds, authorities say
- Parents face multiple felony charges, including negligent homicide
- Deputies found the child unresponsive at a gas station after a 911 call
- Investigators described the home as filthy and barely livable
- Three other children were removed from the home by the state
Authorities in Louisiana have charged a couple after their 5-year-old son died following what investigators describe as extreme neglect inside a trash-filled home, a case that law enforcement officials say ranks among the most disturbing they have encountered.
Marley Perilloux, 33, and Raynisa Young, 27, are facing charges including negligent homicide, second-degree cruelty to juveniles, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and illegal carrying of weapons, according to the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office. Investigators said additional or upgraded charges could still be filed as the case develops.
The incident unfolded on New Year’s Day at around 9 p.m., when the parents placed their son into a vehicle and called 911, Baton Rouge CBS affiliate WAFB reported. Deputies met the father and child at a gas station in Geismar, where they found the boy unresponsive.
“Deputies immediately began performing CPR while awaiting emergency services,” the sheriff’s office said. The child was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigators noted the boy had “apparent injuries” and raised “additional concerns of child neglect, including severe malnourishment.” Detectives then obtained access to the family’s residence, where three other children of undisclosed ages were also living.
According to the sheriff’s office, the conditions inside the home were alarming. “Detectives reported the inside of the home was in poor condition and barely livable due to Perilloux and Young’s negligence.” Trash was scattered throughout the residence, and dirty mattresses were found lying on the floor.
During interviews, detectives determined that both parents had failed to provide basic care for their son. “Detectives interviewed Perilloux and Young and learned that both parents had failed to ensure proper hygiene, feeding, and medical care of the juvenile, who weighed approximately 19 pounds at the time of death.”
Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Col. Donald Capelo described the case as deeply distressing, stating, “this is probably the worst case of child neglect I’ve seen in my 34 years of law enforcement.”
He added, “To put it in perspective, when the coroners come out, there are body bags for adults, and there are body bags for infants. And this child, 5 years old, fit in an infant body bag.”
Neighbors expressed shock following the news, with some saying the situation could have been prevented if help had been sought. “People are treating their pets almost better than that,” neighbor Calvin Lewis told WAFB.
Both parents were arrested and booked into the Ascension Parish Jail, where they are currently being held without bond. Authorities confirmed that the three other children living in the home have since been removed by the state as the investigation continues.
