Police in Louisiana have described the death of a five-year-old boy, who weighed a mere 19 pounds, as one of the most severe cases of child neglect they have ever encountered. The child's emaciated body was so small it fitted inside a body bag designed for an infant.
Parents Arrested on Homicide and Neglect Charges
Marlon Perilloux, 33, and Raynisa Young, 27, have been arrested and charged with negligent homicide in connection with the death of their son, Marley Perilloux. The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office confirmed the arrest on Saturday, 17 January 2026.
The couple also faces a series of additional charges, including:
- Second-degree cruelty to juveniles
- Possession with intent to distribute marijuana
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Illegal carrying of weapons
Authorities have indicated that further or upgraded charges remain a possibility as the investigation continues.
A Disturbing Discovery at a Gas Station
The tragic case came to light when deputies responded to a reported medical emergency at a petrol station in Geismar, Louisiana, around 9 p.m. on 1 January 2026. They discovered young Marley unresponsive.
The boy was rushed to a nearby hospital but could not be saved. His condition immediately raised alarms; at five years old, he stood just 35 inches tall and weighed only 19 pounds. Investigators noted apparent injuries and signs of severe malnourishment, prompting an immediate child abuse and neglect probe.
'Barely Livable' Home and Bedridden Child
Detectives visiting the family home, where three other children lived, found a residence in a state of profound squalor. The sheriff's office stated the interior was "in poor condition and barely livable due to Perilloux and Young’s negligence."
Trash was scattered throughout, and dirty mattresses were placed directly on the floor. Through interviews, investigators concluded the parents had failed to provide Marley with proper hygiene, feeding, and medical care. The child had reportedly been bedridden and never left the home.
The three other children residing at the property have been removed by state authorities.
'Worst Case' in a 34-Year Career
Ascension Parish Sheriff's Col. Donald Capello gave a harrowing account of the case's severity. "This is probably the worst case of child neglect I’ve seen in my 34 years of law enforcement," he said.
To illustrate the extreme malnourishment, Col. Capello 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."
The official cause of Marley's death has not yet been determined, with an autopsy pending. Marlon Perilloux and Raynisa Young are currently being held without bond at the Ascension Parish Jail.
