• Death of a 5-year-old boy weighing only 8.6 kg
• Parents accused of starving him

Authorities in the U.S. state of Louisiana have arrested two parents accused of starving their 5-year-old son to death.

Investigators confirmed that this is one of the most shocking cases they have ever handled in Ascension Parish.

Marlon Perrilloux, 33, and Raynisa Young, 27, face charges of cruelty to juveniles and negligent homicide.

They were held in the Ascension Parish Jail without bond.

The child weighed only 8.6 kg at the time of his death, and investigators said he was bedridden and barely left the house.

The case came to light on New Year’s Day when the parents put the child in a car and called emergency services seeking help.

Deputies met them at a gas station and began administering first aid to the child.

Ascension Parish Sheriff Donald Capello said: “Within a few minutes, the child was transported to a local hospital where doctors continued working on him for 40 to 45 minutes before he passed away.”

He added: “This is probably the worst case of child neglect I’ve seen in 34 years of law enforcement. To put it in perspective, there are body bags for adults, and others for infants, and this 5-year-old child fit in an infant body bag.”

A video obtained by the investigation team showed the family’s apartment in Geismar, where six people lived in extremely filthy conditions, with trash scattered and mattresses on the floor.

Neighbors said they were shocked by the news and had no idea what was happening inside the home.

Neighbor Calvin Lewis said: “People treat their pets better than that.”

He added that the neighbors would have gladly helped if the family had asked for assistance.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, and charges could be increased against the parents.

Three other children were removed from the home following the parents’ arrest, and authorities are checking whether any other adults knew about the child’s condition, who could also face charges.

An autopsy of the child is currently underway, and it is unknown when he last ate.

Sheriff Capello urged parents going through difficult times to seek help immediately from any relative, through the Child Protective Services office, or any official agency, emphasizing the necessity of doing everything possible to protect and care for children.