Couple Accused Of Starving 6-year-old Boy

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

A couple remains in a cell in Illinois accused of first-degree murder and abuse of the health and life of a minor, following the death of their 6-year-old son who died of malnutrition.

Michael Roberts, 42, and father of the victim, and Georgena Roberts, stepmother of the minor, were accused on Monday in the town of Jerseyville after the minor was admitted to the local community hospital on November 3, where he died.

According to ABC-10 reports, the boy died of "extreme malnutrition" and at the time of his death he weighed just 17 pounds. One of the victim's brothers, 9 years old, was also admitted to said medical center.

A subsequent investigation by the Jersey County Police revealed that Roberts and his wife had deprived the boy and his 7-year-old brother of their food. Two other half-brothers also resided in the victim's home.

The children's services department (DCFS) has taken care of the rest of the minors, according to the same source. For their part, spokespersons for said agency revealed that there was a previous investigation in relation to the child, after a person told them by telephone that there was “inadequate” food in the family's home.

However, the investigation was dismissed and shelved as a pediatrician determined that the boy was not eating because he had a medical problem.

The couple now remains in a Jersey County cell on a $ 500,000 bond.